Effectiveness of Undergraduate Teaching Assistants Model in Medical Innovation Education in China

Yujuan Wu ¹, Lucy Taylor ², Tao Ran ¹

⁰Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Cardiovascular Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.

Journal of Medical Education and Curricular Development +

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September 12, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Undergraduate teaching assistants (UTAs) in medical innovation courses boost student self-efficacy and satisfaction. This innovative model also enhances UTAs

Area Of Science

Medical Education
Innovation Skills Development
Higher Education Pedagogy

Background

Cultivating innovation skills is vital in medical education.
The role of undergraduate teaching assistants (UTAs) in medical innovation courses is under-explored.
This study investigates the impact of UTAs on students, themselves, and the course.

Purpose Of The Study

To explore the impact of UTAs on students' innovation skills, self-efficacy, and satisfaction.
To assess the influence of the UTA model on UTAs' skill development and career intentions.
To evaluate the overall effectiveness of UTAs in a medical innovation course setting.

Main Methods

Utilized the stimuli-organism-response model and social cognitive career theory.
Administered questionnaires to students assessing innovation skills, self-efficacy, and satisfaction.
Conducted semistructured and in-depth interviews with students and professors to evaluate UTA impact.

Main Results

UTAs positively impacted students' self-efficacy (β=0.102, P=.005), which correlated with innovation skills and learning satisfaction.
Interview data revealed UTAs gained skills and intended to continue teaching.
Professors noted UTAs improved teaching effectiveness and identified outstanding students.

Conclusions

UTAs enhance student self-efficacy, innovation skills, entrepreneurship, and course satisfaction.
The UTA model positively influences UTAs' skill development and contributes to course advancement.
Involving UTAs offers a valuable approach for fostering innovation capabilities in medical education.

Keywords:

medical education medical innovation education undergraduate teaching assistants