Abstract
The study’s aim was to examine students’ perceptions of group work taught in a block model in the first unit of an undergraduate nursing program. The study used a qualitative descriptive design with open-ended questions. Data from 27 students were analyzed using thematic analysis. Three main themes emerged from the data: 1) unmet expectations, 2) cognitive and metacognitive strategies (subtheme, reflection), and 3) engagement. The benefits and challenges associated with group work using the block model are highlighted, along with implications for education, practice, and further research.