PERCEPTIONS ABOUT THE CASE STUDY, AS LEARNING STRATEGY IN NURSING STUDENTS

Abstract

The purpose of this research with a qualitative approach, based on information compiled during classroom observation and systematized through some methods and tools derived from grounded theory, was to analyze the perceptions of nursing students about the 'case study' learning strategy used by the nursing career, at the Universidad del Mar. In order to understand and explain the pedagogical value of the didactic process in study, interpretative categories were elaborated from the gathered information. The investigated subjects are a group of nursing students in their second year, with whom, one of the academic researcher, worked out the learning strategy. The information was gathered through: participant observation, structured interviews, group discussions and document review. From the reached results, the following 'categories' emerged: learning, teamwork, tutorial mediation and vocational training. Conclusion, the students revealed that, through 'case study', they experienced a fundamental process in their professional training: strengthening teamwork and developing skills to lead a group. They also recognize important changes in the way of learning, becoming active students making their own decisions and who construct significant learning in the application of real situations, outlining a strong professional role that will allow a good performance in solving their professional problems at work.