Exploring peer learning module vs. conventional tutorials: effects on engagement and learning outcomes among first-year medical students

Abstract Background In contemporary medical education, it is essential to raise student involvement and active participation in the learning process. By contrasting small-group peer learning modules with teacher-led conventional tutorial sessions, we aim to provide insights into their respective inf...

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Main Authors: Vinay Arasappa Vishwanath, Sindhu Raghuramaiah, Kavita Rasalkar
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2025-01-01
Series:BMC Medical Education
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-024-06549-x
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author Vinay Arasappa Vishwanath
Sindhu Raghuramaiah
Kavita Rasalkar
author_facet Vinay Arasappa Vishwanath
Sindhu Raghuramaiah
Kavita Rasalkar
author_sort Vinay Arasappa Vishwanath
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Background In contemporary medical education, it is essential to raise student involvement and active participation in the learning process. By contrasting small-group peer learning modules with teacher-led conventional tutorial sessions, we aim to provide insights into their respective influences on learning outcomes and the overall learning experience among 150 first-year medical students. Methods Each group consisted of 50 students. These students were further divided into two groups and a pretest was administered on the day of the session. One group engaged in conventional tutorials, while the other participated in a peer learning module. Post-tests and session feedback were provided after each session. Results Results from the posttest revealed advancement in both learning approaches compared to the pretest. Compared to tutorials, the level of progress was much higher following peer learning with a p-value of < 0.05. Participants felt that while the tutorials helped them cover the full subject and saved time, they occasionally got monotonous and there was little active engagement. Students who participated in the peer learning method said that while interaction aided in a better learning experience, improved communication skills, and had more active participation, there was less time for discussion and some group members were reticent and ineffective in explaining the concepts. Conclusions The peer learning module is thought to be superior to conventional tutorial classes since it promises active involvement from all students, promotes greater learning, and aids in skill improvement, thus assisting students to help each other in gaining insight into the process of active learning.
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spelling doaj-art-4a57e27f7c0d4912b9daa4a90f3f24b52025-01-26T12:38:44ZengBMCBMC Medical Education1472-69202025-01-0125111010.1186/s12909-024-06549-xExploring peer learning module vs. conventional tutorials: effects on engagement and learning outcomes among first-year medical studentsVinay Arasappa Vishwanath0Sindhu Raghuramaiah1Kavita Rasalkar2Department of Physiology, Manipal Tata Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher EducationDepartment of Physiology, Manipal Tata Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher EducationDepartment of Biochemistry, Manipal Tata Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher EducationAbstract Background In contemporary medical education, it is essential to raise student involvement and active participation in the learning process. By contrasting small-group peer learning modules with teacher-led conventional tutorial sessions, we aim to provide insights into their respective influences on learning outcomes and the overall learning experience among 150 first-year medical students. Methods Each group consisted of 50 students. These students were further divided into two groups and a pretest was administered on the day of the session. One group engaged in conventional tutorials, while the other participated in a peer learning module. Post-tests and session feedback were provided after each session. Results Results from the posttest revealed advancement in both learning approaches compared to the pretest. Compared to tutorials, the level of progress was much higher following peer learning with a p-value of < 0.05. Participants felt that while the tutorials helped them cover the full subject and saved time, they occasionally got monotonous and there was little active engagement. Students who participated in the peer learning method said that while interaction aided in a better learning experience, improved communication skills, and had more active participation, there was less time for discussion and some group members were reticent and ineffective in explaining the concepts. Conclusions The peer learning module is thought to be superior to conventional tutorial classes since it promises active involvement from all students, promotes greater learning, and aids in skill improvement, thus assisting students to help each other in gaining insight into the process of active learning.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-024-06549-xPeer-learningConventional tutorialJigsaw techniqueActive learning
spellingShingle Vinay Arasappa Vishwanath
Sindhu Raghuramaiah
Kavita Rasalkar
Exploring peer learning module vs. conventional tutorials: effects on engagement and learning outcomes among first-year medical students
BMC Medical Education
Peer-learning
Conventional tutorial
Jigsaw technique
Active learning
title Exploring peer learning module vs. conventional tutorials: effects on engagement and learning outcomes among first-year medical students
title_full Exploring peer learning module vs. conventional tutorials: effects on engagement and learning outcomes among first-year medical students
title_fullStr Exploring peer learning module vs. conventional tutorials: effects on engagement and learning outcomes among first-year medical students
title_full_unstemmed Exploring peer learning module vs. conventional tutorials: effects on engagement and learning outcomes among first-year medical students
title_short Exploring peer learning module vs. conventional tutorials: effects on engagement and learning outcomes among first-year medical students
title_sort exploring peer learning module vs conventional tutorials effects on engagement and learning outcomes among first year medical students
topic Peer-learning
Conventional tutorial
Jigsaw technique
Active learning
url https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-024-06549-x
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AT sindhuraghuramaiah exploringpeerlearningmodulevsconventionaltutorialseffectsonengagementandlearningoutcomesamongfirstyearmedicalstudents
AT kavitarasalkar exploringpeerlearningmodulevsconventionaltutorialseffectsonengagementandlearningoutcomesamongfirstyearmedicalstudents