The makerspace mindset (Dunn, 2019; Forneris, 2020) remains alive and well at the National League for Nursing as we continue to move forward with innovation in nursing education. The focus of this column is the work of our NLN Makerspace Strategic Action Group - a small, select group of emerging contemporary educators whose insights in 2020 informed our agenda for the NLN Makerspace for Nursing Education. Thinking ahead, unblocking innovation, creating and disrupting to bring about change, and embracing transformation as a continuous way of working - these were the foci areas the group discussed with the goal of defining faculty development needs in a new paradigm for the nurse educator role. During the 2020 NLN Education Summit, the group facilitated a virtual makerspace breakout session with approximately 100 nurse educator participants. The goal was to gain further insights from educators on an agenda for the development of faculty resources. Following are a few of the themes that emerged during this dialogue.

PEDAGOGICAL EXPERTISE IN TEACHING/LEARNING

Diversity of student learning was central to the conversation. A primary focus was on developing resources to enhance expertise in addressing fundamental course design and teaching, along with evidence that teaching and learning resources bring about the desired outcomes. Translation and implementation of evidence-based teaching and learning strategies that have tangible results and can be rapidly disseminated are a priority (Forneris & Fey, 2020).

DISRUPTIVE INNOVATION

Although nurse educators continue to rely on their experiences as learners to guide their education practice, the days where it was acceptable to teach as we were taught are long gone. Evidence-based nursing practice has informed nursing education that traditional teaching and learning strategies are not successful with today's learners. These strategies do not adequately prepare students for current practice environments (Mangold & Crockett, 2019; Mauro et al., 2016; Missen et al., 2016). Pedagogically leading the way are evidence-based strategies that focus on fostering environments where students feel valued and listened to and share in learning experiences focused on guiding them in the use of content knowledge (Forneris & Fey, 2020).

COMMUNITY NETWORKING/MENTORING

Networks of contemporary educators who serve as a community of nursing education practitioners are vital for developing and supporting expertise in nursing education teaching and learning strategies. Participants expressed the need to develop alliances with schools with similar missions for the purpose of creating dialogue and sharing resources to improve instruction overall. Collaborations with practice partners in building teaching and learning practice environments are emerging as other examples of community networking.

With the retirement of large numbers of nursing faculty, there is a need to empower nurses to take on the faculty role. Thus, the importance of the transition to the faculty role is gaining attention in academic circles. Participants discussed the overall teaching and learning trajectory and the need for expertise on the continuum from the classroom to the bedside. Mentoring through role modeling of varied and effective teaching and learning strategies would enhance the experience for learners as well as educators. As with practicing nurses, confidence in the educator role is tied to their enthusiasm and energy and channeled and directed into productive change. This includes opportunities to demonstrate teaching techniques in a safe environment with feedback from experts to enhance professional growth.

THE MAKERSPACE MINDSET GOING FORWARD

Capitalizing on the pedagogical expertise of participating educators, the NLN Makerspace Strategic Action Group has provided the NLN with new insights into ways to channel nursing education transformation. With the ongoing support of emerging leaders, our goal is centered on a national nursing education professional development arena and the building of modern, innovative approaches to teaching and learning. Guided by the makerspace mindset, education innovation will continue to be front and center at the NLN.

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