Nursing lecturer's love of learning proves contagious
Published on 31 January, 2008
Nursing lecturer Kerry Reid-Searl is CQU's Teacher of the Year for 2007, although she has been passing on her contagious love of learning for many years.
And given the number of different roles she plays, Kerry could have won the award several times over.
The Rockhampton-based lecturer is renowned for enhancing understanding through humorous role play, for narrating experiences from her extensive and continuing hospital work and for producing teaching aids including nationally-popular text books, CD Roms, websites and interactive displays.
She is also an active researcher and conference presenter who is recognised for her nursing expertise.
As a recipient of the 2007 CQU Vice Chancellor's Awards for Teaching Excellence, Kerry will be formally recognised during the Rockhampton graduation ceremony on March 4 and becomes eligible for nomination for the Carrick Australian Awards for University Teaching.
Kerry said course evaluation feedbacks were overwhelmingly in favour of the use of humour in clinical skills classes including wound care, manual handling and interview techniques.
Props can include makeup, spectacles, wigs, false teeth and clothing to depict different characters, simulated wounds and various props.
"We remember what we laugh at," Kerry said.
She said the performance aspects aided comprehension and recall of information.
"The use of humour through role play captures the student's attention and engages them in the learning process.
"Teaching for me is about engaging, motivating and inspiring learners."
Kerry started her nursing career in the early 1980s and by the end of the decade was a qualified midwife with experience in city hospitals and as a Remote Area Nurse.
She went on to complete bachelor and masters degrees and has recently finished her PhD research into the ‘Medication administration experiences of final-year nursing students'.
The CQU lecturer was lead author for The Student Nurse Clinical Survival Guide and the Student Nurses Maths and Medications Guide. More than 10,000 copies of these resources are now being used by students.