Introduction and evaluation of “Peer-assisted learning” in department of physiology in first-year MBBS students in Muzaffarnagar Medical College, Muzaffarnagar

Abstract

Background: Traditional lectures (using PowerPoint presentation or chalk and board) have become less effective, monotonous, and involve less student-teacher interaction. Introducing peer-assisted learning (PAL) may improve learning by increased student-teacher interaction, making interesting, and more effective for better student outcome, producing a competent Indian medical graduate. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study was to introduce PAL in 1st year MBBS students, to evaluate effectiveness of PAL both from Students and Teachers perspective, and to determine feasibility of PAL in a large batch of 150 students with limited teacher availability. Materials and Methods: Place of study is Muzaffarnagar medical college, Muzaffarnagar, UP. Study was conducted on 80, 1st phase MBBS students (2020 Batch) Ethical clearance from Institutional Ethics committee was obtained. A pre-test and a post-test of ten MCQs were given. Feedback from students and faculty members was also taken. Results: As post-test scores show a significant improvement Pal can be introduced as a TL method in MBBS students. Conclusion: Feedback from both the students and teachers show that a significant percentage agree that PAL is helpful in increasing knowledge, should be included in the teaching methodology in CBME curriculum, is feasible, can be included in internal assessment, and improve critical thinking skills.