Peer-Assisted Learning PDF

Peer-Assisted Learning Dr. Mohammed Hamza Z. E. Seed Ahmed M.B.B.S., M.Sc. in Medical Education, Ph.D. in Medical Science Department of Basic Medical Sciences College of Medicine, QU Health Qatar University Doha, Qatar What Is Knowledge and Learning?  ‘Knowledge is of two kinds. We know a subject...

Peer-Assisted Learning Dr. Mohammed Hamza Z. E. Seed Ahmed M.B.B.S., M.Sc. in Medical Education, Ph.D. in Medical Science Department of Basic Medical Sciences College of Medicine, QU Health Qatar University Doha, Qatar What Is Knowledge and Learning?  ‘Knowledge is of two kinds. We know a subject ourselves, or we know where we can find information upon it.’ (Dr. Samuel Johnson, 18 April 1775, in James Boswell, Life of Johnson)  Two main kinds of knowledge 1. Declarative knowledge, which is knowledge about things, expressed in verbal or other symbolic form. It is the knowledge you can talk about. 2. Functioning knowledge, which is knowledge that informs action by the learner. It is the knowledge you can put to work. Dr. Mohammed Hamza What Is Knowledge and Learning?  ‘learning can broadly be defined as any process that in living organisms leads to permanent capacity change and which is not solely due to biological maturation or ageing.’  However, learning process could be approached from different perspectives and orientations. Dr. Mohammed Hamza Learning Approaches  Students may use inappropriate activities, resulting in a surface approach to learning, or high level activities resulting in a deep approach to learning.  Meaningful (deep) learning occurs when the learner is able to interpret, relate, integrate the new information with the existing knowledge, and construct new concept meanings which could be successfully transferred to other contexts in order to solve novel problems.  In contrast, rote (surface) learning focuses on the ability of the learner to remember and retrieve relevant knowledge from the long-term memory. Dr. Mohammed Hamza Learning Approaches  Both personal and contextual factors interact to determine what learning approach is adopted on particular situations.  Lack of alignment is a major cause of adopting surface approach to learning by students.  Good teaching discourages surface approach and encourages deep approach. Dr. Mohammed Hamza  Four important pillars of learning have been identified 1. Motivation 2. Knowledge construction 3. Contextual aspects 4. Collaborative aspects Dr. Mohammed Hamza Peer-Assisted Learning  Peer = an equal  Peer-assisted learning (PAL) is defined as ‘the development of knowledge and skill through explicit active helping and supporting among status equals or matched companions, with the deliberate intent to help others with their learning goals.’ Dr. Mohammed Hamza Characteristics of Peer-Assisted Learning  Helpers consciously assisting others to learn, and in so doing, learning themselves.  Helping that is complementary to professional teaching, but that definitely do not surrogate professional teaching.  Helping that is structured to ensure gains for all participants in one or more domains. Dr. Mohammed Hamza Characteristics of Peer-Assisted Learning  Helping that is available to all on an equal opportunity basis, because all have something to give.  Helping that is carefully organized and monitored by professional teachers with an extended conception of their role. Dr. Mohammed Hamza Types of Peer-Assisted Learning  Peer tutoring, which is characterised by specific role- taking as tutor or tutee(s), with high focus on curriculum content and usually also on clear procedures for interaction, in which participants receive generic and/or specific training.  Peer modeling, which is the provision of a competent exemplar of desirable learning behaviour by a member or members of a group with the intention that others in the group will imitate it. Dr. Mohammed Hamza Types of Peer-Assisted Learning  Peer monitoring, which involves peers observing and checking the behaviours of others in the group with respect to appropriateness and effectiveness of the processes and procedures of learning.  Peer assessment, which is an arrangement for peers to evaluate the products or outcomes of learning of others in the group. Dr. Mohammed Hamza Twelve Tips for Peer-Assisted Learning 1. Ensure that the organization is student led 2. Consider the content of the tutorials 3. Make tutor selection voluntary 4. Train the tutor Dr. Mohammed Hamza Twelve Tips for Peer-Assisted Learning 5. Reward the tutor 6. Consider which students (tutees) should attend the sessions 7. Consider the timing of peer learning 8. Restrict the duration of the sessions Dr. Mohammed Hamza Twelve Tips for Peer-Assisted Learning 9. Make the environment conducive to learning 10. Ensure that the medical school supports the peer scheme 11. Evaluate the peer learning scheme 12. Consider when and how to use peer learning Dr. Mohammed Hamza Advantages of Peer-Assisted Learning Social pressure Time on task Critical thinking Deeper understanding Prompt feedback Communication and cooperation Safe climate Dr. Mohammed Hamza