Students as anatomy peer teachers ő a new course to develop teaching skills in a flourishing community of learning (721.11)

Abstract

Objective: In response to shortage of doctors in Israel, a new medical faculty was set up at Bar Ilan University in Galilee. Basic Science and clinical teachers were recruited overseas and locally, but junior faculty, such as teacher assistants (TA), were difficult to find in this remote locale. Thus, a peer teacher course for students was designed to develop anatomy teaching skills.Method: Students participated in the 5‐day Teaching Assistant course, set up by the departments of Medical Education & Anatomy. 20 preclinical students attended the course. Topics covered included the basics of didactics and pedagogic approaches, small group teaching skills, and advanced practical skills in cadaveric dissection.Results: On the Likert scale the overall rating for the course was 3.85. Learning prosection and anatomy demonstration skills scored 4.3 and 4.15, respectively. TA Students appeared at ease in the dissecting room amongst their peers. They were able to prepare and lead a Case‐Based Learning session with more confidence.Conclusion: Students as peer teachers can make a great contribution to the teaching faculty. Personal gain in terms of confidence, focus and motivation are at least as important as practical dissection and teaching skills. Among the lessons learned for the future are: a need to provide a radiological hands‐on experience (e.g. CT, MRI & US) and the necessity to emphasise on ethical values, since these TAs will be facing such questions from their peers.