Stavovi i mišljenja studenata prve godine medicine o učenju histologije i embriologije uz pomoć vršnjačkog podučavanja - uloga studenata demonstratora

Abstract

Peer-assisted learning (PAL) is a form of teaching method where students facilitate the transfer of knowledge to other students and at the same time learn themselves. Department of Histology and Embryology at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Serbia has a longstanding tradition of PAL, which involves the use of undergraduate teaching assistants (UTAs) in practical microscopy classes. This research aimed to evaluate the attitudes and opinions towards UTAs work during Histology and Embryology course from the perspective of 1st year students. Data from this study were collected from 512 undergraduate medical students enrolled in the 1st study year using an anonymous semi-structured questionnaire. The analysis of the students' responses has shown that almost all of our students asked for the help of UTAs during Histology and Embryology course. Additionally, 65% of students said that they felt more comfortable asking UTAs for help during their labs than faculty teachers. Most students believe that UTAs devoted sufficient time to them during the practical classes. Nearly 90% of students agreed that UTAs gave them good advice and answers and more than 80% of students perceived that they had never received inaccurate information from UTAs. More than 40% of students can see themselves in the role of UTAs in future. These results indicate that UTAs have a significant place in the Histology and Embryology curriculum and that their role in everyday teaching represents one of the most important aspects of PAL.