AN EXPLORATORY-STUDY OF STUDENTS PERCEPTIONS OF THE BENEFITS OF REGULAR SMALL-GROUP TUTORIALS IN A 2-YEAR DAY RELEASE COURSE

This study was undertaken with the intention of improving the effectiv eness of small group tutorials in a diploma in nursing course. There w as concern to avoid some of the less valuable aspects of tutorials hig hlighted in the literature. An investigation was conducted to elicit s tudents' perceptions of the benefits of group tutorials at a comparati vely early stage in their 2-year course, at the end of the second term . A qualitative approach was taken to explore the views of four studen ts through individual semi-structured interviews. Additional data were gathered through personal field notes to add the tutor's perspective of the group process. Data were analysed inductively using a phenomeno logical approach in an attempt to elucidate the essence of each partic ipant's experience of the tutorials. While the findings suggested that students valued their involvement in small group tutorials, some ques tions were raised which point to the need for further investigation. T hemes were revealed which drew attention to the value students place o n the experience of small group tutorials, thus endorsing the strategi es employed. Benefits to students include the opportunity to get to kn ow a small group of people when part of a larger learning group, suppo rt when coping with the pressures of course work and being able to sha re ideas about issues relevant to nursing. The report concludes that t here is scope for further investigation and reflection in order to dev elop educational practice.