A Qualitative Study on Nursing Students Understanding of Learning Content and peer Experience Through Participating in Role Play

This study aimed to explore nursing students' experiences of understanding course topics and peer relationships through participation in Role-Playing activities.It also examined the significance of these Role-Playing experiences in shaping students' academic self-efficacy and professional nursing competencies.The researchers collected data through reflective journals and in-depth interviews with 12 nursing students who participated in an Adult Health Nursing course.The collected data were analyzed using a phenomenological research method.The study results revealed the following: First, participants experienced an "enhanced understanding" of the diseases covered in the course topics while preparing for and performing the role-play.Second, through the interaction and collaboration required for preparation, they developed a sense of "closeness and respect" toward peers they had not previously known well.Third, while constructing case studies and writing scenarios based on the diseases in the curriculum, they experienced "empathy and a shift in perception" regarding the professional attitudes required of future nurses.Fourth, through the role-playing activities, they gained a fresh perspective on learning, interpersonal relationships, and the nursing profession, resulting in a satisfying experience of "discovering meaning."Based on these findings, the following suggestions are made: First, major courses should use diverse participatory teaching and learning methods, such as Role-Playing, rather than relying solely on traditional lectures.In particular, given the current educational landscape that incorporates various learning materials and technologies (including generative AI), it is essential to create an environment that encourages active student participation and moves away from passive knowledge transmission.Second, to conduct role-playing activities effectively, integrate pre-and postlearning sessions that build understanding of the relevant medical conditions.This integrated learning helps alleviate the difficulties learners face when developing case studies and scenarios suited to the role-play themes, transforming challenges into positive insights gained through peer interaction and enhancing academic selfefficacy by allowing repeated review and deeper engagement with the material.Furthermore, systematic learning through role play can serve as an effective teaching-learning strategy to improve nursing students' clinical competence, thereby contributing to the cultivation of the essential skills required of future professional nurses.