Innovative qualitative research data collection and analysis activities that engage nursing students

Rather than traditional teacher-centered classrooms, it is important for instructors to shift to student-centered models, encouraging active learning.

The challenge for instructors is to design in-person and/or virtual classroom activities that introduce and engage students in essential aspects of qualitative research data collection and analysis.

Two instructor-created and student-centered activities focused on qualitative data collection and analysis strategies that connect instructors and undergraduate or graduate nursing research students are described.

Instructors witnessed students' interaction and robust group discussion. Positive students' evaluations and quantitative success on assignments were noted. Outcomes suggest that these activities (in-person or virtual-platform) for qualitative data collection and analysis are effective classroom strategies to present difficult concepts in an easily understood and learner-friendly context.

These leaning activities move students to engage with and learn from one another under instructor's guidance. Other faculty may use these activities in structuring classrooms that involve and stimulate students' critical thinking about qualitative research methods.