Immunology Education for English Second Language learners within a Postgraduate Nursing Science program in New Zealand

Abstract

Abstract Immunology education is fundamental to support in-depth understanding of many pathological conditions. It is imperative to ensure all students are supported in their learning efforts and that curriculum and teaching content is relevant and appropriately delivered for all students, and in particular English Second Language (ESL) learners. Postgraduate Clinical Health Science ESL learners who have undertaken undergraduate Nursing studies in alternative settings with limited Immunology content may require support at postgraduate level. The purpose of this work was to ensure incorporation of Immunological components within a postgraduate Clinical Health Sciences course was appropriate for all, including ESL learners. In-class Immunology teaching sessions incorporated within a postgraduate Pathophysiology course were delivered to ensure cultural appropriateness for all students, including ESL learners. Active learning approaches employing the use of scientific on-line animations, interactive websites, Youtube scientific content and selected readings were adopted to ensure content delivery was culturally appropriate, stimulating, supported student engagement and participation for in-class learning and teaching activities. Active student engagement and in-class participation was observed with positive student satisfaction scores in response to the Immunological course content from formal student evaluation by all students recorded. Favorable assessment outcomes for Immunological components were noted for all students including ESL learners. These findings support the need to ensure Immunology education for postgraduate Clinical Health Sciences students is appropriate for all, including ESL learners.