The evaluation of a peer-led question-writing task

Abstract

Novel studies have previously highlighted the educational benefits of peer-led learning and peer marking of examinations. Limited data exist about the educational value of students writing their own exam questions and sharing these with other students. To evaluate the potential for medical students to learn about palliative care through the process of writing examination questions. methods: Fourth-year medical students on a palliative medicine rotation were invited to write a short-answer exam question in a similar format to the official examination run by the medical school. The questions were checked for accuracy and applicability by the coordinator, and were then distributed to students. The answers to the student-generated questions were discussed in a feedback forum at the end of the rotation. Twenty students took part in the exercise. All agreed the exercise was beneficial to their learning. Eighteen (90%) students did not feel the task was too much additional work. Eight (40%) students felt more confident in passing the official medical school exams. Students enjoyed the exercise, with 19 (95%) indicating that they were keen to repeat this in the future. Peer-led examination question writing could complement the delivery of palliative care teaching for medical students.