Exploring peer tutoring from the peer tutor's perspective

Changing working practices, student numbers, workforce demands, and deficits, have created a need to consider new ways of radiography student training. One suggestion could be to implement Peer Assisted Learning (PAL) during clinical placements. PAL utilises social constructivist theories, where peer tutors teach lower or same level tutees, reinforcing and practicing material formally taught. The aim of this study was to trial an intervention of PAL, co-designed between the university and students and evaluated to identify opportunities and challenges.

Using participatory action research 8 final year student volunteers trialled a 3-week intervention, where they delivered PAL to first years, tutoring on first year radiographic clinical practice. Focus groups were held pre and post intervention to gather qualitative data.

Focus group discussions were transcribed and collectively thematically analysed. Two students and the primary researcher took part in the analysis.

Students identified benefits and challenges to PAL. Issue around preparing for and being a peer tutor are also discussed. Further study involving experiences of first year students and clinical colleagues is required.

Peer-tutoring has potential benefits to students to facilitate the development of skills related to image analysis and critique as well as radiographic anatomy and patient positioning.