Some students take part in literature review.  Some may write the IRB submission.  Others may collect or analyze data.  Still others may be more focused on the development of presentations.  When students are given the freedom to use their own gifts and skills, they select a facet of the process that interests them.  The result is a superior product as well as an investment in the process by the student.  Lasting benefits can occur when the fear of a grade is removed and students are inspired to contribute professionally in this group process.  The net result within students is a growth that differs from that of traditional learning approaches.  The product of the study may be wonderful, but the result of professional growth within the students is considerable.

            This innovative approach within a selected course of a BSN program fosters a collegial environment and is enjoyable.  Didactic growth happens as students choose then develop their own pieces.  Large group and sub-groups must maintain a professional relationship that enables completion of the parts.  This hands-on research does not take the place of a research course, but augments learning of content in both the selected class (in this case a childbearing class) and the research course.