The test is a good way of determining my teaching philosophy. I found that my dominant teaching philosophy is Constructivism. Knowing this result actually enlightened and helped me better understand why I teach the way I do, especially in the context of nursing education. Constructivism focuses on the idea that learners actively build their own understanding based on experience, prior knowledge, and reflection. As a Nurse Educator, I see this philosophy come to life in the way I approach my students. I don’t see myself as the sole source of knowledge. Instead, I act more as a Facilitator, guiding students as they make sense of concepts and apply them in real-life situations. For example, when I teach topics like postpartum care or newborn assessment, I don’t just deliver lectures and expect memorization. I ask my students to work through clinical cases, analyze patient scenarios, and reflect on their own clinical experiences. I observed that they remember more when they are part of the learning process like in small group discussions.
This philosophy also influences how I assess learning as much as possible, I try to incorporate reflective journals, case study presentations, and oral reports. These methods allow students to explain their thought processes, which helps me understand how they’re constructing their knowledge and where they might need support. Taking the test confirmed what I value most as an educator: helping students become active, critical thinkers who can apply what they learn in real-world nursing situations. Constructivism reminds me that meaningful learning doesn't happen when students just sit and listen—it happens when they engage, reflect, and make connections. That's the kind of learning I try to foster every day.
References:
Cohen, L. (1999). Educational philosophies self-assessment.
https://evaeducation.weebly.com/uploads/1/9/6/9/19692577/self_assessment.pdf
Cohen, L. (1999). Educational Philosophies Self-Assessment Scoring Guide.
https://evaeducation.weebly.com/uploads/1/9/6/9/19692577/self_assessment_scoring_guide.pdf
Yeom, Y., Miller, M., & Delp, R. (2018). Constructing a teaching philosophy: Aligning beliefs, theories, and practice. Teaching and Learning in Nursing 13(2018), 131-134.