Coffee in the Collaboratory: A Collegial Club for Nursing Faculty

摘要

Nurse educators frequently strive to collaborate and share innovative teaching ideas. Finding dedicated time to discuss ways to improve teaching by engaging students is often difficult. Faculty at one university discovered a way to use a new space in an addition to the school of nursing. Faculty meet monthly for "Coffee in the Collaboratory" to share, test, and develop teaching strategies for face-to-face and distance accessible courses. During the meetings, faculty embrace opportunities to practice using new technology. Icebreakers and student-centered learning activities are demonstrated and tested. Faculty take turns sharing how new ideas might be incorporated into both undergraduate and graduate programs. Discussions are spontaneous and fun in this relaxed and friendly environment. A "Coffee in the Collaboratory" meeting can be beneficial in both academic and clinical settings by providing time and space for nurse educators to get together and explore innovative teaching strategies.