Applying and evaluating training in small groups with competitive practice in teaching research methodology to undergraduate nursing students ( qualitative research)

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the training of small groups with competitive practice in teaching the course of research method by experience of undergraduate nursing students at Tonekabon Islamic Azad University. This study was carried out qualitatively (content analysis) and in two stages. The first stage was to investigate the need to change the teaching method in the nursing research course in the research population. In the next stage, teaching was done in the form of small groups with competitive exercises in classrooms. The study population consisted of all nursing students of the Tonekabon Islamic Azad University Faculty of Medical Sciences. The criteria for entering the study were to choose the course of the research method and not to participate in the research methodology workshops before entering the study. The data gathering method was a deep semi-structured interview conducted with each student until data saturation was achieved. Sampling was purposeful. Participants were selected from volunteers after being invited to collaborate. Their number was 22, and after completing the full knowledge of the study and its objectives, they signed the consent form. Themes resulted from about 213 initial code related to the subject. With the continuation of work and systematic comparisons and integration of these themes, 6 themes and 24 sub themes emerged from experience and view of the students. The main themes were: a vibrant class, the immediate use of learning in action, collective problem-solving learning, unique learning, research spirit, ability to interact with others in the learning process. The motivation, interest, and skill acquired through this method will increase self-esteem and interest in learning actively in learners especially through competitive exercises, which will enhance the mentality of scholarship in addition to developing a search spirit.