Peer-assisted learning (PAL) in undergraduate medical education: An overview

Abstract

Peer-assisted learning (PAL) has a long tradition and is nowadays implemented in the curricula of most medical faculties. Besides traditional areas of application like problem-based learning, anatomy, or CPR, more and more departments and institutes have established PAL as part of their everyday teaching. This narrative review provides some background information and basic definitions of PAL. It offers an overview on features and determinants as well as underlying learning theories and developments in PAL. In addition, motives for implementation are highlighted followed by a comparison of advantages and disadvantages. After outlining aspects of quality management including the training of tutors and the evaluation and acceptance of PAL formats, this review concludes with an outlook on how PAL can proceed into the future and where further research is necessary.

Keywords: Fertigkeitentraining; Lehrkompetenzen; Peer Teaching; Peer-assisted learning (PAL); peer teaching; peer-assisted learning (PAL); skills training; student tutor; studentischer Tutor; teaching competencies.