Nursing students' experiences of community nursing school subject classes based on the Havruta learning method: A qualitative study

Background: Nursing is encountering increasingly complex and unpredictable challenges, and traditional lecture-style education is inadequate for preparing future nurses to meet these societal demands. In nursing, it is important to expand the variety of student-centered educational methods that empower students to build and contemplate their own knowledge. The Havruta educational method is recognized for its effectiveness in fostering critical thinking and promoting self-directed learning skills.

Objectives: This study aims to elucidate the nature and significance of experiences among nursing students who engage in community nursing classes through the Havruta learning approach.

Design: Qualitative research.

Settings: Nursing universities in Korea.

Participants: This study was conducted on 68 nursing students who participated in the Havruta learning method.

Method: A total of 68 third-year students enrolled in community nursing courses in the second semester of 2022 at a university participated in this qualitative study. Data were collected through the analysis of reflection journals.

Results: The study identified four overarching themes and 10 sub-themes relating to the application of the Havruta learning method in community nursing classes. The primary themes included: "how to increase motivation to participate in classes," "learning through communication," "Gaining insight through problem-solving," and "Regrets about the lack of time."

Conclusions: The findings suggest that the Havruta learning approach allows students to broaden their intellectual scope and perspective on a more comprehensive body of knowledge. This is achieved through interactive methods that encourage self-organization and reflective thinking.