Effects of Peer Tutoring on Medical Students' Skills and Attitudes
Author Information
Author(s): Sharon Buckley, Javier Zamora
Primary Institution: University of Birmingham
Hypothesis
What are the effects of participation in a cross-year peer tutoring programme on volunteer tutors' skills and attitudes towards teaching?
Conclusion
Participation in the peer tutoring programme enhanced tutors' skills and reinforced positive attitudes towards teaching.
Supporting Evidence
- 85% of tutors felt more likely to make teaching a major part of their career after participation.
- 82% reported that participation enhanced their curriculum vitae.
- 40% indicated that their views on teaching changed after participating.
Takeaway
When older students help younger students learn, they get better at teaching and feel more positive about being teachers themselves.
Methodology
The study used pre and post participation questionnaires to assess changes in skills and attitudes among volunteer tutors.
Potential Biases
The sample was biased towards higher achieving students, which may affect the generalizability of the results.
Limitations
The study only included self-selected volunteer tutors, which may not represent the entire student cohort.
Participant Demographics
68% female, drawn from higher achieving final year students.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.007
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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