A student-faculty action research study to foster students’ understanding of the concept of civility in nursing education

Abstract

Objective: A student-faculty action research study was conducted to foster students’ understanding of the concept of civility in nursing education.

Method: Three main online activities were developed. The first activity, the Journal Club, allowed participants to explore the concepts of civility and incivility through literature. The second, the Students Club, focused on practical issues in civility based on guest speakers’ experiences. The third, the Civility Exemplar Club, provided a space for participants to share and learn from exemplary student experiences.

Results: The number of student team members increased from six to 15. Between May 2021 and January 2024, the Journal Club was held 15 times, while the Students Club convened eight times. In the Civility Exemplar Club, two out of four submissions received the Civility Award annually. Additionally, during Civility Action 2023, 14 submissions were received on the theme of “considerate attitudes and manners,” and two submissions were selected for the Civility Award.

Conclusion: The three activities were interconnected and culminated in a student-led proposal called “Civility Action 2023.” Throughout this process, students had opportunities to deepen their conceptual understanding by contrasting specific examples of civility and incivility. In addition, they were able to articulate civility through personal and shared experiences. These opportunities and experiences were suggested to be effective in fostering understanding of the concept of civility in nursing education.