Learnt So Much From This. Peers Presenting Was Very Effective - Medical Students’ Opinions Of Peer Assisted Learning Using A One Minute Tutorial Format Within An Obstetrics And Gynaecology Rotation

Background: Peer assisted learning (PAL) has been proposed as a method of overcoming cognitive
dissonance and helping students learn from each other. There are some concerns about the perceptions of
students towards PAL, with some perceiving this as being less valuable than teaching by faculty. Micro learning (learning in small portions of knowledge and time) allows students to chunk small pieces of
information, techniques or concepts and assimilate this learning before moving on to fresh knowledge,
skills or attitudes. The one minute tutorial (OMT) concept is a form of micro-learning. The aim of this study
was to investigate the educational value to medical students of PAL using a One Minute Tutorial (OMT)
setting within an Obstetrics and Gynaecology rotation.

Summary of Work: Qualitative research study was performed in a tertiary level maternity hospital attached
to a large Dublin medical school. The anonymous clinical programme feedback forms of 208 medical
students following a six-week rotation in Obstetrics and Gynaecology were analysed. Thematic analysis
was performed until saturation of data. The primary outcome measure was the perceived educational
value of the educational intervention.

Summary of Results: Regarding PAL, many students enjoyed the novelty of peer teaching, though some
believed the learning benefit was mostly for the presenter. Students reported concerns regarding the
validity of information unless confirmed by a faculty member; facilitation by faculty was favourably
received. Students chose the topics for discussion; this was useful in both highlighting underemphasised
topics and as a tool for revision. The sessions clarified points students were previously unsure of. The
sessions afforded an opportunity to develop presentation and public speaking skills. Students reacted to
the rapid, bitesize nature of the presentations. A recommendation for a document to compile notes of
presentations was identified.

Discussion and Conclusions: PAL was valued as a learning tool in consolidating knowledge and improving
presentation skills. In general, students reported a positive experience of PAL, but potential areas of
improvement were highlighted.

Take-home Messages: Overall, medical students supported peer assisted learning through a micro-learning
format of a One Minute Tutorial. Unexpected benefits - public speaking and presentation skills - were
highlighted.