Purposeful Strategies to Engage the Student

In today’s fast-paced, technologically advanced world, teaching practices of “yesteryear” are no longer keeping our student nurses actively engaged. As educators, we must explore and implement new and innovative teaching and presentation strategies that will enhance student engagement and improve student learning outcomes. In this session, participants will discover and learn how to utilize various programs such as Mentimeter, Prezi and GoAnimate in order to effectively challenge their students to play a more active role in their learning, and enhance student engagement in the learning environment.

Speakers

LeahAnn Young, MSN, APRN, CPNP

LeahAnn Young, MSN, APRN, CPNP LeahAnn Young is an Assistant Professor of Nursing, and the Coordinator of the 4th level of the Associate of Science in Nursing at Northwestern State University (NSU) in Shreveport, Louisiana. Mrs. Young earned her Baccalaureate of Nursing in 1992 and her Master of Science in Nursing, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (MSN) in 2002, both from Northwestern State University. She is currently pursuing her Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP), anticipated date of graduation August 2018. She is a member of Sigma Theta Tau International and the National League of Nursing. Mrs. Young’s background is in primary pediatrics. She first began teaching at NSU in 2002 as an adjunct instructor in the pediatric clinical setting. She has worked as a board certified pediatric nurse practitioner (CPNP) in multiple areas of pediatrics in Shreveport, Louisiana. She decided to pursue teaching full time in 2006 as she believes it is ‘her calling’. She believes in the scholarship of teaching – striving to stay abreast of the latest and greatest! Mrs. Young was selected as the Educator of the Year, 2015. Mrs. Young is married and has 2 sons. She enjoys traveling, reading, and spending time with her family. She is an avid hunter and fisher(wo)man. She loves to laugh and to be outdoors. Mrs. Young’s favorite thing about teaching is seeing her students grow and become ‘Real Nurses’!

Rebecca N. Weston, MSN, RN, CNE

Rebecca N. Weston, MSN, RN, CNE, Assistant Professor, Northwestern State University – College of Nursing. Rebecca N. Weston is an Assistant Professor at Northwestern State University, teaching in the Associate Degree, Baccalaureate Degree, and Master’s Degree nursing programs. She obtained her Masters of Science in Nursing, Maternal, Child & Family Education degree from Northwestern State University in 2013 and is currently pursuing her Doctorate of Education in Adult Learning. She became a Certified Nurse Educator in July 2014 and was selected as Northwestern State University’s Nurse Educator of The Year in 2016. Her area of expertise is Pediatrics where she teaches both theory and clinical, as well as Pharmacology. She is a member of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing and the National League for Nursing. Mrs. Weston’s unique teaching strategies include utilizing integrated and advanced technology throughout her courses and various strategies to keep her students engaged.