Debate

On

“Realities of
changing curriculum:
Semester in Nursing”

Submitted to: Mr. Jithin Thomas Parel Submitted by: Zeenat Naz
Lecturer M.Sc. Nursing 1st year
CON ILBS CON ILBS

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 For the motion of the topic

The topic of whether to change the curriculum to a semester system in Nursing is a complex and
multifaceted issue. Here, I present arguments in favor of adopting a semester system for the
Nursing curriculum:

1. Enhanced Learning Experience

Better Absorption of Material: The semester system, typically involving longer terms (about
15-18 weeks), allows students more time to absorb and understand the material thoroughly. This
is crucial in Nursing education, where comprehension of complex concepts and procedures is
essential.

Continuous Assessment: The semester system facilitates continuous assessment through

quizzes, assignments, and periodic exams. This continuous feedback helps students stay engaged
and improves retention of information, as opposed to a quarter system where assessments may be
more condensed and less frequent.

2. Improved Student Well-being

Reduced Stress Levels: Longer semesters mean that the curriculum can be spread out more
evenly, reducing the pressure on students. Nursing students, in particular, benefit from this as it
allows them to balance rigorous academic demands with clinical placements and personal life.

Opportunities for Reflection and Integration: The extended time frame of a semester system
gives students the opportunity to reflect on their learning and integrate theory with practice more
effectively. This reflection is crucial in nursing education, where understanding the rationale
behind practices can significantly impact patient care.

3. Better Alignment with Clinical Rotations

Smoother Integration with Clinical Schedules: Clinical placements often align better with a
semester system, which can run parallel to the academic schedule without frequent disruptions.
This alignment ensures that students can complete their clinical hours in a more structured and
less hurried manner.

Enhanced Practical Experience: Longer semesters can provide opportunities for more
extended clinical rotations, allowing students to gain deeper and more comprehensive practical
experience in various nursing settings.

4. Flexibility and Academic Opportunities

Flexibility in Course Selection: The semester system can offer greater flexibility in course
selection and scheduling. Students might have the opportunity to take elective courses that can
enhance their nursing education, such as courses in public health, management, or specialized
nursing fields.

Study Abroad and Exchange Programs: The semester system aligns better with international
academic calendars, facilitating study abroad and exchange programs. These programs can
broaden students' perspectives and provide valuable insights into global health practices.

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5. Faculty and Institutional Benefits

Improved Faculty Workload Management: Faculty members can benefit from a semester
system as it allows for more evenly distributed teaching and grading workloads. This can lead to
better quality teaching and more time for faculty to engage in research and professional
development.

Administrative Efficiency: The semester system can streamline administrative processes related
to course scheduling, registration, and academic advising. This efficiency can enhance the
overall educational environment and support services for nursing students.

Conclusion

Transitioning to a semester system in Nursing education offers numerous advantages,

including enhanced learning experiences, improved student well-being, better alignment with
clinical rotations, increased flexibility, and institutional benefits. These factors collectively
contribute to a more robust and effective nursing education, ultimately leading to better-prepared
nursing professionals. Embracing the semester system can thus be seen as a positive step forward
in the evolving landscape of nursing education.

Against the motion of the topic

Arguing against the motion of changing the curriculum to a semester system in Nursing
involves examining the potential drawbacks and challenges associated with such a shift. Here are
the key points against adopting a semester system:
1. Disruption to Established Systems
Curriculum Overhaul: Transitioning to a semester system requires a complete overhaul of the
existing curriculum, which is a complex and time-consuming process. This disruption can lead to
temporary confusion and adjustment difficulties for both students and faculty.
Incompatibility with Current Structures: Many nursing programs are deeply integrated with
local healthcare systems and clinical placements designed around shorter academic terms.
Shifting to a semester system could disrupt these established partnerships and schedules, causing
logistical issues.
2. Potential for Increased Stress
Extended Duration of Stress: While a semester system spreads out the workload, it can also
prolong the duration of stress and pressure on students. Instead of short, intense bursts of study,
students may face continuous, long-term stress, which can be just as detrimental to their well-
being.
Cramming and Burnout: Longer semesters may lead to prolonged periods of intense study
sessions, particularly during midterms and finals. This can increase the risk of student burnout,
especially in a demanding field like nursing where the academic load is already heavy.
3. Financial and Logistical Challenges
Increased Costs: Implementing a semester system can incur significant costs. This includes
revising course materials, retraining faculty, and potentially altering clinical placement
agreements. These costs can strain the institution’s budget and may be passed on to students in
the form of higher tuition fees.

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Accommodation and Living Expenses: Students may face higher living costs due to the longer
academic terms. Extending the duration of on-campus housing and other living expenses can be
financially burdensome for nursing students.
4. Potential Impact on Learning Outcomes
Loss of Focus: Shorter terms in a quarter system often lead to a more focused and intensive
study environment, where students concentrate on fewer subjects at a time. The semester
system's extended duration could dilute this focus, making it harder for students to maintain
consistent engagement with the material.
Delayed Feedback: In a semester system, the longer interval between assessments can delay
feedback to students, hindering timely adjustments in their study strategies and understanding of
the material. This delay can impact learning outcomes negatively.
5. Challenges in Clinical Training
Scheduling Conflicts: Aligning clinical rotations with a semester-based academic calendar can
be challenging. Many healthcare facilities may not be able to accommodate the extended periods
required for clinical training under a semester system, leading to potential scheduling conflicts
and reduced clinical exposure.

Quality of Clinical Experience: Nursing students benefit from frequent and varied clinical
experiences. A semester system may limit the diversity and frequency of these placements,
potentially reducing the breadth of practical experience students receive.
6. Institutional Resistance
Faculty Resistance: Faculty members accustomed to the quarter system may resist the change
due to the increased workload associated with redeveloping courses and adjusting to a new
teaching schedule. This resistance can impact the quality of education during the transition
period.
Administrative Hurdles: The administrative burden of transitioning to a semester system is
significant. Coordination between departments, updating records, and communicating changes to
students and stakeholders requires considerable effort and resources.
Conclusion
While the semester system has its merits, the transition from an established quarter
system presents numerous challenges that may outweigh the benefits. The potential for increased
stress, financial burdens, disruptions to clinical training, and logistical difficulties underscore the
complexities involved in such a shift. Therefore, maintaining the current system may be more
advantageous for ensuring the stability and effectiveness of nursing education.