“Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.” Benjamin Franklin

Several years ago, a researcher by the name of Howard Gardner introduced what was then a revolutionary thought in the world of education—multiple intelligences. Traditionally, individuals who were deemed exceptionally intelligent were those who could demonstrate a significant mastery of theoretical knowledge. The application of that knowledge was oftentimes irrelevant.

In 1983, Gardner introduced his theory of multiple intelligences, which acknowledges that there are many ways in which people can be intelligent—even brilliant! Gardner’s work has been helpful in leading to a more widespread understanding that, as a function of there being many ways to be intelligent, there are many ways to teach. The fact is we’ve known this for a long time!
Health professionals, in particular, benefit from a variety of instructional approaches. Not only do they need to have a vast knowledge base, but they also have to be able to put into practice what they know. At MCHP, we make sure that our in-class instruction is dynamic, engaging, and balanced with a significant amount of application—also known as hands-on learning. Because of our unique affiliation with Central Maine Medical Center (we’re the only hospital-affiliated, regionally accredited college in all of Northern New England—more about this in a later post!), our students have ready access to clinical experience and real-time developments in health professions practice. The great news for our students is that this clinical site—with its vast opportunities to put into practice what is learned in the classroom—is just a block away from MCHP. In addition, we provide opportunities for our students to apply their learning in 26 other sites across the state of Maine.

Hands-on learning also comes in the form of low-risk but high-value simulation instruction. There are many ways that we use simulation to reinforce learning. At MCHP, we are proud of our educational mannequins and radiology positioning lab that enable students to learn and practice various scenarios in a safe environment. (I have to mention that our positioning lab, which is less than two years old, has equipment that’s equal to or even better than what you’ll find in the clinical settings.) We’re so committed to hands-on learning that we have plans to expand our simulation labs, so please check back with us to learn about our progress!

We are committed to ensuring that our graduates are as fully prepared as possible. If you read my last post, you know that our graduates tell us that they are more knowledgeable than their newly-graduated peers from other schools. Also, employers tell us that our nurses, radiologic technologists, computed tomography experts, and certified nursing assistants are exceptionally well prepared.

To learn more about our educational approach, which has more than its share of hands-on emphasis, email or call us…Better yet, come by for a visit. We’d love for you to see for yourself how we involve and engage our students so that they can truly learn.

Looking forward to seeing you on campus,

Dr. Monika Bissell
President
Maine College of Health Professions

Date of Release: October 16, 2017