Perceptions of undergraduate medical students about peer assisted learning.

Abstract

To assess the perceptions of undergraduate medical students about peer assisted learning (PAL). Study Design: Cross sectional study. Setting: Peshawar Medical College. Period: From March 2016 to August 2016. Materials and Methods: A total of 84 students from second year MBBS were included to record the perceptions about peer assisted learning. A total of six topics of urogenital module were selected for PAL session. A validated questionnaire having 17 close ended questions was used to evaluate PAL on Likert-scale. The participants consented and evaluated the questionnaire, from which data was gathered and analyzed to reveal the degree of satisfaction by the PAL. Results: There were equal number of males and females (40 each). About 65—75% agreed that PAL was more informative than classical lecture system; topic discussed was clearer and found answers to their questions. 60—70% liked to incorporate peer assisted learning in their modules, showed satisfaction to the contents covered, felt easy to communicate with peer tutor and were of the view that peer tutors performed well in their teacher’s role. Among peer tutors, 70—80% agreed that the endeavor improved their confidence in teaching, presentation and communication skills. Over 62% agreed that teaching at undergraduate level was a beneficial experience. Conclusion: The participants’ found the peer assisted learning teaching method as useful. Therefore, this strategy may be introduced in the college.