Peer-assisted learning from three perspectives: student, tutor and co-ordinator.

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Peer-Assisted Learning
• Clinical Skills Training

Background:

• Peer-assisted learning (PAL) is a structured approach where medical students teach their peers.
• Formal PAL programs are a recent innovation in medical education.
• PAL Manchester has successfully operated for over six years, teaching clinical skills to medical students.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present the experiences of PAL Manchester from multiple participant perspectives.
• To illustrate the various roles within a PAL scheme.
• To highlight the personal benefits derived from participating in PAL.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative accounts from a student, a peer tutor, and a student co-ordinator.
• Exploration of roles and benefits within the PAL Manchester scheme.

Main Results:

• The study showcases diverse roles within PAL, including student, peer tutor, and co-ordinator.
• Personal benefits were identified for all participants involved in the scheme.

Conclusions:

• Developing different roles within PAL schemes offers unique challenges and rewards.
• PAL provides a valuable framework for medical student education and development.