Getting Started with Peer-Assisted Learning in a Veterinary Curriculum

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medical Education
• Pedagogy
• Student Learning

Background:

• Peer-Assisted Learning (PAL) is increasingly recognized in veterinary education.
• PAL involves students teaching other students, proving effective across disciplines.
• It has been integrated into the veterinary clinical skills curriculum since 2009.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an overview of Peer-Assisted Learning (PAL) for veterinary educators.
• To offer practical implementation strategies for PAL in veterinary degree programs.
• To share experiences and resources for establishing PAL initiatives.

Main Methods:

• Summarizing existing literature on PAL effectiveness.
• Detailing a case study of PAL implementation in a veterinary program.
• Presenting evaluation data from tutors and tutees.

Main Results:

• PAL has been successfully delivered to over 1000 first-year veterinary students by senior tutors.
• Evaluation data indicates positive outcomes for both tutors and tutees.
• The methodology is considered valid and effective in veterinary clinical skills training.

Conclusions:

• PAL is a valuable and effective teaching methodology for veterinary education.
• Practical tips and resources are provided for successful PAL implementation.
• Encouraging adoption of PAL to enhance veterinary clinical skills training.