Peer learning : Medical students learn from and with each other in placement training at the primary health center

• Background: Peer learning is an emerging educational concept in health education in Sweden and in other countries. Students, as peers, learn from and with each other. Studies show that students develop increased self-confidence, increased independence and confidence in their skill to solve problems and improve the ability for clinical reasoning. The aim of this pilot study was to further develop forms for clinical training which stimulate student active learning and to make the best use of available supervisor resources.Summary of Work: During 2018, a peer learning activity was tested for medical students during their clinical training at a primary health center. Before the placement, students were informed of the peer learning project. Two students worked together. Before the meeting, the supervisor introduced the students to the tasks to be performed. The students prepared the reception together. At the patient meeting, one student took the active part and the other observed. The students took turns so that they were the active part in every two patient meetings. Feedback with supervisor and between students took place continuously after the visits and at the end of the day. The project was evaluated by a questionnaire to students and supervisors, and a student diary.Summary of Results: Ten students agreed that they were completely instructed for the task, two agreed partly. Ten supervisors felt they gave instructions completely, five agreed partly and one didn’t answer. On a scale of 1 to 5, students agreed on average 4.3 or more for questions regarding preparation, constructive feedback, facilitated learning and time for reflection and feedback. Supervisors agreed on average 4.1 or more for the same questions with focus on student learning.Discussion and Conclusions: Although this is a pilot study, the results show that arranging a peer reception, both from student and supervisor perspective, has a positive effect. Diary writing in combination with peer reception contributes to the students gaining a deeper insight into their learning process and skills development. Larger studies are needed to confirm this. Take-home Messages: A peer reception can create a deeper understanding of the learning process and its guidance.

Ämnesord

SAMHÄLLSVETENSKAP  -- Utbildningsvetenskap -- Didaktik (hsv//swe)

SOCIAL SCIENCES  -- Educational Sciences -- Didactics (hsv//eng)

Publikations- och innehållstyp

vet (ämneskategori)

kon (ämneskategori)