Peer teacher training develops “lifelong skills”

Abstract

Introduction

Peer teaching is a valuable approach whereby students engage in reciprocal teaching and learning. However, there is limited literature on preparing students for this role, known as Peer Teacher Training (PTT), and exploring its long-term impact. This study investigates the impact of a previously implemented PTT programme on participants’ application to clinical practice and their preparation for a future educator role.

Methods

A convergent mixed methods approach was used involving questionnaires and semi-structured interviews after a mean time interval of seventeen months post-course. All participants who had previously undertaken the programme (n = 20), were invited to join.

Results

Fifteen respondents completed the questionnaire, with twelve participating in one-to-one interviews. Participants demonstrated sustained improvements in perceived understanding and application of educational principles with greater confidence to teach upon entering the workforce. Interviews highlighted enhanced preparation for future educator roles, reflective teaching practices, influence over career choices and a wider benefit of the PTT to patients, peers, and students.

Discussion

This study demonstrates the long-term benefits of a PTT through sustained improvements in participants’ confidence and perceived competence in teaching skills. Future work should focus on integrating PTT into the medical curricula and expansion to include other healthcare professional students.

Keywords:

• Peer teaching
• teaching programme
• curriculum
• qualitative analysis
• mixed methods

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the article.

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.

Notes on contributors

Chiraag Thakrar Karia

Chiraag Karia – NIHR Academic Clinical Fellow in Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery based in Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, United Kingdom.

Elizabeth Anderson

Elizabeth Anderson – Professor of Interprofessional Education and Patient Safety Lead at Leicester Medical School, United Kingdom.

Annette Burgess

Annette Burgess – Professor of Medical Education at The University of Sydney, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney Medical School, Australia.

Sue Carr

Sue Carr – Consultant Nephrologist, Honorary Professor of Medical Education and current Deputy Medical Director at the General Medical Council (GMC). Previous Director of Medical Education in University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, United Kingdom.