Application of Academic Salons in Cultivating the Scientific Research Skills of First-Year Nursing Master’s Students

Abstract

Objective: To explore the application effect of academic salons on developing the scientific research skills of first-year nursing master’s students. Methods: According to Wallas’ four-stage model of the creative process, from November 2022 to February 2023, 66 first-year nursing master’s students from the School of Nursing at Zhejiang Chinese Medical University were selected using a convenient sampling method to participate in a multidisciplinary academic salon consisting of a total of 8 sessions held once every two weeks. Before the first and after the last academic salon, postgraduate research skills evaluation questionnaires and perception of research skills acquisition questionnaires were used to assess first-year nursing master’s students. A semi-structured interview was conducted with nine students after the final academic salon. Results: The total scores for scientific research skills and sense of achievement among first-year nursing master’s students after the academic salon were higher than those before the salon, and the difference was statistically significant. The interview results showed that the “salon theme,” “tutor comments,” and “sharer output” are the focus of the first-year nursing master’s students in the academic salon. Conclusions: Academic salons can enhance postgraduate students’ scientific research skills and foster a greater appreciation for scientific research. We can enhance academic salons by carefully choosing relevant themes, inviting knowledgeable presenters and expert tutors to provide feedback, and prioritizing equality and effective communication.