Peer-assisted Learning Research Articles

The Utilization of Animals as Models for Human Autopsies in Medical Education, Supported by Peer-Assisted Tutoring.

Human autopsy is widely used to investigate and confirm the causes of death. Commonly reported cases involve the cardiovascular and cerebral systems. However, human autopsy practices have been restricted due to ethical and religious implications in many countries. The study aims to know if using human autopsy techniques on animal models might be an effective way for teaching post-mortem autopsy to medical students and exposing them to clinical pathology involving vital organs in medical education and find out the role of peer-assisted learning in improving the process. Two pre-lab sessions were conducted to emphasize the embryological and structural similarities and explain the differences between the human brain and heart and animal models: cow brain and sheep heart. Other two sessions of organ dissection were provided to perform human autopsy techniques on animal models practically for educational purposes. Peer-assisted tutoring was implemented. Questionnaires, interviews, and the Delphi technique were used to triangulate the assessment. A year later, participating foreign exchange students were interviewed to evaluate the long-term impacts based on Kirkpatrick models. The questionnaire showed students' satisfaction with the autopsy workshops and peer-assisted tutoring. The last session was attended by foreign exchange students whose feedback proves the implementation can be done in different medical education systems around the globe. This study shows that animal model autopsy provides a valuable alternative in medical education and improves the students' comprehension and clinical skills, and peer-assisted learning has a secondary role in enhancing it. The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40670-023-01735-w.

Network distance and centrality shape social learning in the classroom.

Social learning can help individuals to efficiently acquire knowledge and skills. In the classroom, social learning often takes place in structured settings in which peers help, support, and tutor each other. Several protocols have been developed to make peer-assisted learning (PAL) more efficient. However, little attention has been devoted to how the transfer of knowledge is shaped by the social relationship between peers, and their relative positions in the social network. To address this gap, we combined social network analysis with an experimental social learning task, in which pupils (N = 135; aged 11-19) could use social information from their peers to improve their performance. We show that pupils' tendencies to use social information substantially decrease with the peer's distance in the social network. This effect is mediated by subjective closeness: pupils report feeling much closer to their friends than to their non-friends, and closeness strongly enhances social learning. Our results further show that, above and beyond these effects of network distance, social information use increases with the peer's social status (network centrality) and perceived smartness. Our results provide empirical evidence in a naturalistic setting for the role of specific network attributes in shaping pupils' willingness to learn from their peers. These findings illustrate the value of a social network approach for understanding knowledge transfer in the classroom and can be used to structure more effective peer learning. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

Jigsaw Method of Interactive Teaching to Unpuzzle Neuroanatomy

Introduction: Student driven interactive methods of teaching are a major part of andragogy, which drives them to professional competency. Jigsaw method is one such interactive teaching modality which fosters self-directed learning and peer interaction. The aim of this study is to access the effectiveness of Jigsaw method of interactive teaching qualitatively and quantitatively among 1st year MBBS students. Materials and methods: this study was done in 1st year medical students. The students were exposed to jigsaw method of interactive teaching in small groups and the program was evaluated by assessing the short and long term memory of the students. Feedback also was obtained from the students. Results: There was a statistically significant difference in the mean scores as compared to traditional teaching methods. The perception of students also showed promising results. Discussion: there have been many studies on student perception on such interactive teaching methods which revealed that the students were showing better academic performances. A few studies like the present one, on quantitative assessment of students score after Jigsaw method of interactive teaching has also shown good results. Conclusion: the jigsaw method of interactive teaching encourages student participation and enhances self directed learning and peer assisted learning. KEY WORDS: Neuroanatomy, jigsaw, peer learning, androgogy.

Student-to-Student Clerkship Guide: A peer-assisted clinical learning intervention.

Student-to-Student Clerkship Guide: A peer-assisted clinical learning intervention.

Simulation Based Peer-Assisted Learning: Peripheral Venous Catheterization and Blood Sampling

Background
 Peripheral venous catheterization (PVC) and blood sampling (BS) represent some of the first basic techniques that a medical student learns when starting clinical practice. As they are invasive maneuvers, there is a level of self-doubt that can be overcome through practice in a simulated setting.
 Peer-assisted medical simulation learning is an innovative educational technique that allows students to gain confidence in conducting clinical maneuvers in a safe environment. Simulation based learning focuses on trial and error, participants being able to approach the technique multiple times, without the risk of hurting a real patient. Additionally, the fact that the workshop is conducted by fellow students, creates a more comfortable learning setting.
 
 Aim of study
 Our aim is to determine the effectiveness of medical simulation in learning to perform PVC and BS and in increasing the level of confidence of the participants.
 
 Materials and methods
 Our study was conducted at the Department of Medical Simulation of the Center for Innovation and e-Health (CIeH), part of the University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila” Bucharest, Romania, between March and December 2021. During this period, 2186 first year students took part in a peer-conducted simulation workshop, conducted by undergraduate medical students in all years of studies, who had previously undergone extensive training and evaluation. The aim of the workshop was to learn the basics in PVC and BS in a controlled environment.
 Through a questionnaire, we collected data regarding knowledge acquisition and auto-evaluation of the students’ skill and knowledge prior and after the training on a five-point scale. At the beginning of the questionnaire we obtained informed consent from the study participants.
 
 Results
 The response rate to the questionnaire was 66,10%. The participants obtained an average score of 60%. There were few participants that did not acquire enough information in order to answer correctly to the questionnaire. 80% of the respondents answered accurately on 2 out of 3 questions.
 We observed a 48,35% increase in the confidence level of participants regarding clinical knowledge and skill acquisition after the workshop. Prior to the workshop, only 10% of participants self-evaluated with a score of 4 or 5, compared to 85% of respondents after the workshop.
 
 Conclusions
 The medical simulation training led to a significant rise in students’ confidence and a high impact on the development of skill and knowledge. Through our basic workshops we want to familiarize the participants with the clinical environment, additional knowledge and skills being acquired once throughout their studies. The workshop's objective of increasing participants’ comfort regarding basic clinical techniques, such as blood sampling and peripheral venous catheterization, was accomplished. The outcome of the study enables us to adapt the curriculum and testing procedures to better meet the needs of the participants.

Peer-Assisted Learning in a Longitudinal Hybrid Physical Exam Course.

Peer-assisted learning (PAL) improves teaching skills and self-confidence for instructors and creates a supportive learning climate for learners. We developed a PAL hybrid teaching structure for our physical exam course by partnering upper-level peer instructors with faculty co-instructors and evaluated its impact on upper-level student peer instructors and first-year student learners using quantitative and qualitative methods. The PAL component of the hybrid teaching structure was perceived to have important benefits for all and salient limitations for student learners. The hybrid nature of the course provided a unique vantage point for evaluation of PAL and we theorize that faculty co-instructors may balance some of the perceived limitations of PAL.

Flipped classroom – A student perspective of an innovative teaching method during the times of pandemic

BackgroundFlipped Classroom is a blended form of learning in which the traditional didactic lectures are replaced by active classroom learning experience. Flipping the lectures outside the classroom and using the classroom for active interaction and projects has been the need of the hour. It is an innovative way of learning anatomy. MethodsThe study was done at Department of Anatomy, ESIC Medical College, KK Nagar, Chennai. After obtaining ethical committee approval and Consent for participating in the study, Pre-test questionnaire was shared through Google forms. The lecture PowerPoint about anatomy of larynx was shared with the students. Next day, during the scheduled class, the students were asked to present anatomy of larynx using different types of models. Post-test questionnaires were also shared, and the students were asked to submit feedback forms at the end of the session. The students were assessed by a group of subject experts who assessed the student’s anatomical knowledge, innovation with which they prepared the model, presentation, correctness of presentation and clinical application. ResultsOut of the 126 first year MBBS undergraduates, 100 students actively participated in the study. 41% of students agreed and 47% of students strongly agreed that flipped classroom was an enjoyable way of learning. 51% of students strongly agreed that they were able to go through the lecture prior to the presentation. ConclusionsFlipped classroom enhanced student learning through knowledge applications. Flipped classroom helped teachers to review and understand how much their students have read, retained, and applied the knowledge which was catered to them. There was largely a positive response for flipped classroom though flipped classroom cannot replace a regular classroom. Flipped classroom can be cumbersome as it involves extensive planning and coordination. It can be used to promote interest in the subject. Flipped classroom enhanced peer assisted learning.

Promoting physician-patient language concordance in undergraduate medical education: a peer assisted learning approach

BackgroundVerbal communication plays an important role in the patient-physician relationship. Research shows that language concordance, when a healthcare professional communicates fluently in the patient’s preferred language, contributes to patient satisfaction and improves healthcare outcomes. Yet, many medical schools worldwide, including most institutions in the Arab world, use English as the language of instruction. As a result, students lack confidence and feel unprepared to communicate effectively with the local population. This manuscript describes the development, implementation and early perceptions of an Arabic language program for medical students in the United Arab Emirates.MethodsIn 2020, the learning communities at Khalifa University College of Medicine and Health Sciences launched a pilot program implementing a Peer Assisted Learning (PAL) framework to teach Arabic medical terminology and language to both native and non-native Arabic speaking medical students. A web-based survey was administered to the first two cohorts of students to assess satisfaction with the classes and the program’s impact on students’ communication skills during clinical encounters.ResultsEarly perceptions of the program were very positive, with 43/48 students (89.6%) reporting that they used the information during home visits and clinical rotations, and 42 students (87.5%) admitting that the classes made them feel more comfortable in communicating with the Arabic speaking local patient population.ConclusionThis paper explores a new educational approach to address the challenge of language barriers in healthcare. A feasible, low cost program using peer assisted learning can improve students’ comfort in communicating with patients in the local language.

Identifying Opportunities for Peer-Assisted Learning In Speech Language Therapy Clinical Education

Peer-assisted learning (PAL) is a potential approach for clinical education that can reduce the burden of clinical supervision and enhance learning. This study aims to identify opportunities for PAL through investigating how speech language therapy students perceive and already participate in PAL within a range of clinical practicum settings. The Speech Sciences students across all years at one institution were invited to participate in a cross-sectional survey that was adapted and revised from Tai et al. (2014). Speech Sciences students reported they applied PAL as part of their learning strategy in their clinical practicums, but still relied on supervisors as the main source of. PAL occurred more frequently in contexts where students already had some clinical experience and spent substantial amounts of time together. Students agreed that PAL enhanced their learning and emphasized a few advantages of PAL, such as having the opportunity to share their ideas, experiences, and knowledge, and providing a positive learning environment without pressure. Confidence to provide information or feedback to peers was cited as a shortcoming in PAL. PAL is a viable teaching approach that can be used in speech-language therapy clinical education program to reduce the supervisory burden. The findings from our study show that PAL is largely self-initiated among speech-language therapy students. However, PAL must be tailored to suit different clinical education year levels and clinical settings to benefit. Case discussion may be one area where scaffolded PAL activities could represent a feasible first step to increasing PAL. Keywords Peer-assisted learning, speech-language therapy, clinical education, clinical supervision.

A Comparative Analysis of Business Students' Performance and Perception on Online vs. Face-to-Face Peer-Assisted Learning

This paper first compares the academic performance of business students who participated in online and offline peer-assisted learning during 2018–2022. The purpose of the study was to evaluate if quantitative academic result was impacted by the mode of delivery. Interviews were then conducted with students who attended/taught both modes of classes to solicit their personal qualitative feedback. Key research questions and issues to be studied include: (1) any objective difference in academic performance (as measured in course GPA) between students attending online and face-to-face sessions; (2) any perceptible difference in learning effectiveness; and (3) any perceptible difference in communication with both leaders and peers during class. After investigation, it was found that both delivery modes offered a similar level of student academic performance and learning experience, and there was no evidence to suggest that peer-assisted learning was impacted by the mode of delivery. Reasons could be concluded as small class size, high level of technological literacy, and voluntariness. Though student interviewees mostly agreed that both online and face-to-face peer-assisted learning were equally effective, if they were to choose between the two, all of them would opt for physical classes as they stimulated greater learning motivation.

Mixed reality model for learning and teaching in anatomy using peer assisted learning approach

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of mixed reality models in anatomy teaching and learning at Kirkpatrick’s level I, using Peer Assisted Learning approach. This study was based on a single group, post-test study design and was carried out at three affiliated medical schools of Khyber Medical University, Peshawar, over four months. A total of 97 first- and secondyear medical students from three medical schools were enrolled. All students received a basic introduction to the use of Hololens (Microsoft), the mixed-reality simulator-based course on the anatomy of the heart and liver via peer-assisted learning (PAL) method. Student satisfaction was evaluated at Kirkpatrick Level I of program evaluation using a validated and structured PAL questionnaire. Most students agreed or strongly agreed to the effectiveness of questions (mean ± SD 4.3±0.2, percentage 86±4.4%). There was no difference between the satisfaction scores of male and female students (p=0.34), whereas a slight difference was seen between 2nd- and 1st-year students’ satisfaction scores (88% versus 85%, p=0.03). There was also a statistically significant difference of perceptions between different medical schools’ students’ scores (p=.000). Students appear to be satisfied with the use of the mixed reality model for learning anatomy. A randomized trial to directly compare the satisfaction levels between traditional methods and mixed-reality model may be conducted and the effects of mixed-reality models on learning should be assessed.

Blended peer-assisted learning using a video conference system for anatomy education: student learners' and student facilitators' perspectives

Anatomy education that traditionally relies on face-to-face delivery is disrupted by the outbreak of COVID-19. Due to suspension of face-to-face instruction in schools, our institution adopted a video conferencing system with peer-assisted learning (VCS-PAL). The study objectives are to: 1) report our institutional experience in adopting blended VCS-PAL in anatomy teaching; 2) describe perceptions towards this pedagogy during the pandemic among student facilitators and learners. In the mixed-method educational research, 139 year-2 biomedical engineering and pharmacy students were surveyed regarding their VCS-PAL learning experience. A total of 85 returned the survey, with a response rate of 60.7% (85/139). Most students found the live demonstration of plastinated specimens helpful in learning anatomy (82%). The general feedback from both student learners and student facilitators are positive. The blended VCS-PAL approach in anatomy education provides an excellent adjustment opportunity amidst the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Enriching Pre-Clinical Education with Near-Peer Learning Experiences

The purpose of this mixed methods study was to examine the outcomes of two instructional methodologies (traditional and peer-assisted learning; PAL) used in a clinical methods course for undergraduate speech-language pathology (SLP) students. The sample included 53 undergraduate SLP students (near-peer learners) as well as 27 graduate SLP students and 7 clinical fellows (near-peer tutors). Traditional instruction was used during the first half of the course and PAL was added during the second half. The undergraduate SLP students’ weekly written reflections and grades (mid-term and final) were collected for analysis. Students demonstrated a preference for peer- and near-peer learning experiences and commented positively on learning via stories throughout the course. They exhibited more positive attitudes during PAL instruction. Further, students reported less clinical confidence and more confusion as the course progressed and they learned more about the demands and expectations for clinical practice. Implications and recommendations for SLP students’ clinical training are discussed.

Collaborative Learning Communities With Medical Students as Teachers.

In recent years, peer-assisted learning has emerged as a new and effective medical education modality. Near-peer tutoring utilizes a senior student serving as an instructor to a junior student. In 2019, the University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine (UCISOM) implemented a near-peer tutoring model beginning with first-year anatomy and physiology curricula. Following a successful pilot program, UCISOM launched a full-fledged near-peer tutoring program in 2020 named Collaborative Learning Communities (CLC) with Medical Students as Teachers. The rollout of CLC occurred in phases. In 2020, second-year medical students led the program for first-year students; in 2021, an additional program was led by third-year medical students for second-year students; in 2022, the program expanded to third-year medical students led by fourth-year students. Each program serves the unique learning needs of each student class, utilizing evidence-based teaching practices while allowing the opportunity for mentorship, interclass connectedness, and refinement of the tutor's teaching skills. In this paper, we describe the creation of CLC, its goals, leadership and curricular structure, and its various benefits, challenges, and limitations.

Bite-sized and peer-assisted video-based learning in statistics education: benefits on attainment, attitudes and preferences of university students

Bite-sized and peer-assisted video-based learning in statistics education: benefits on attainment, attitudes and preferences of university students

Bite-sized and peer-assisted video-based learning in statistics education: benefits on attainment, attitudes and preferences of university students

Bite-sized and peer-assisted video-based learning in statistics education: benefits on attainment, attitudes and preferences of university students

A Dyad Model of Peer-Assisted Learning in an Occupational Therapy Student Experiential Learning Clinic for Hand Therapy

A Dyad Model of Peer-Assisted Learning in an Occupational Therapy Student Experiential Learning Clinic for Hand Therapy

Blended peer-assisted learning using a video conference system for anatomy education: student learners' and student facilitators' perspectives

Blended peer-assisted learning using a video conference system for anatomy education: student learners' and student facilitators' perspectives

Peer-Assisted Learning in Undergraduate Medical Education for Resilience and Well-being

Peers are a powerful resource in the learning process. Peer-assisted learning (PAL) is a high value activity for the peer and the coach. We report here a PAL activity focused on resilience and well-being for first-year undergraduate medical students. The model and lessons learned are described.

Interprofessional peer-assisted learning and tutor training practices in health professions education-A snapshot of Germany.

Peer-assisted learning (PAL)-especially peer tutorials-are gaining momentum in health professions education, particularly in interprofessional education. As little is known about the use of peer tutorials or the preparation of tutors in this context in Germany and in other countries, this study aims to provide an overview of these interventions. A cross-sectional study with a descriptive-exploratory design was conducted. German institutions for health professions education were contacted, and individuals with pedagogical responsibilities were invited to participate in an online survey. The survey was informed by two studies in which seven domains were identified as important. These included facts about the institution, the offer of PAL, the use of tutorials, and the design of tutor training. The survey used mostly closed-ended questions. The questionnaire was completed by n = 100 participants. Overall, n = 46 participants indicated that PAL was offered at their institution. Of these 46 participants, 32 (70%) indicated that uniprofessional PAL was offered, 2 (4%) indicated that interprofessional PAL was offered, and 12 (26%) indicated that both forms of PAL were offered. Peer tutoring was the most common format in both cases (73% for uniprofessional and 64% for interprofessional PAL), and mandatory interventions were mostly used to prepare the tutors. These interventions were held by educators or lecturers and were offered mostly face-to-face as workshops or as discussions. Deepening the tutors' social competencies through training was given high relevance. Regarding content, focus was placed on communication, (self-)reflection, and group management. Eighty-eight participants expressed recommendations for future directions in terms of preparing tutors for interprofessional PAL. Minor differences between the use of uniprofessional and interprofessional PAL and tutor training were found. Nevertheless, implementation strategies varied. In future, preparatory measures for tutors should be more uniformly designed and geared to the specific requirements of uniprofessional and interprofessional learning, and that at best on an empirical basis.