Digital workshops for qualitative analysis: Nursing students' learning experiences - A case study

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Qualitative Research Methodology
• Academic Writing Skills

Background:

• Bachelor's degree nursing students undertake a thesis in their final semester, focusing on academic writing and data analysis.
• Existing research on supervision is extensive, yet the student experience of learning qualitative analysis via digital workshops remains under-explored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore and describe nursing students' experiences learning qualitative analysis within a digital workshop format.
• Investigate the impact of digital workshops on the development of qualitative analysis skills in nursing students.

Main Methods:

• A case study design was utilized to investigate student experiences.
• Data collection involved surveys and field notes, with thematic analysis applied per Braun and Clarke's methodology.
• The study included 53 bachelor's students at a Norwegian university from 2021-2023.

Main Results:

• Student experiences revealed a distinct 'learning path' influenced by preparation, content, and the digital learning environment.
• Active student preparation and knowledge sharing fostered motivation and progress in thesis writing.
• The learning path encompassed distinct stages: initiation, progression, the learning process itself, and motivation.

Conclusions:

• Digital group supervision enhances bachelor's students' qualitative analysis skills and confidence.
• Preparation, peer collaboration, and supervisor support are crucial for effective learning in digital workshops.
• Integrating research methodology through structured, flexible digital workshops is vital for nursing education.