Firdous Jahan
Background: Peer assisted learning(PAL) provides a safe and controlled environment, offering students useful ancillary educational method for motivation preparing doctors for their future role as educators. Modern medical education is giving more emphasis on student centered teaching and learning. PAL offers the chance to develop self-directed learning skills and to help fellow students with their learning. The purpose of the study was to identify medical students’ perception regarding peer assisted teaching and learning in family medicine rotation. Methodology: This was a cross sectional study conducted in 6th year clinical students. The study comprised of a questionnaire survey of 68 students at Oman Medical College. Participants were invited for self-filled survey questionnaire comprised of questions regarding knowledge and perception of PAL. Data was analyzed in SPSS, expressed in frequencies and percentages. Result: Over all response is 100%, 77.9% female students. Most of the students strongly agrees that teaching is focused on must know things (51%), friendly environment is good for learning (65%). Good presentation skills and self-confidence (52%) is essential. Nearly half agreed clinical scenario based and clear concept, appropriate organization of content and interactive session is effective for learning during PAL. Conclusion: Students have positive perceptions toward PAL and more sessions can be considered in future. Medical students recognize the unique and important role of peer teaching in under graduate medical education and its importance for their professional development. Medical students’ informal teaching activities accompany, facilitate, and complement many important aspects of their medical education. Formally developing medical students’ knowledge, skills, and attitudes in education may further stimulate these aspects.
