Peer consultation as a method for promoting problem-based learning during a paediatrics course.

Full Abstract

In problem-based learning (PBL) there are problems during tutorial group sessions, for example lack of participation, interaction and cohesion, and withdrawing. The authors evaluated whether these problems could be avoided with a peer consultation model. Peer consultation takes advantage of cooperation between students by encouraging them to accept more responsibility for learning from their peers. Forty-nine fifth-year students participated in three group sessions where they solved a paediatric case problem. The students were working in small groups, assuming the following roles in turn:
presenters, facilitators and observers. The students reported that this consultative method forced one to actually define the problem, helped to develop communication skills and to identify problematic issues from different viewpoints and offered the possibility to evaluate personal problem-solving strategies. The method also gave an opportunity for students to learn in practice how to utilize new technology in data searching. These experiences suggest that the model of peer consultation adds new flavour, increasing enthusiasm in problem-based learning.

Learn Faster Today Improve your study skills

Author information

Author/s: Renko, Marjo (M); Uhari, Matti (M); Soini, Hannu (H); Tensing, Marianne (M);

Affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, University of Oulu, Finland. marjo.renko(-atsign-)oulu.fi

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article

Journal: Medical teacher (Med Teach), published in England. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2002-Jul; vol 24 (issue 4) : pp 408-11

Dates: Created 2002/08/23; Completed 2002/09/23; Revised 2004/11/17;

PMID: 12193325, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 12/26/2008)

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

External Links for this article (including full text providers, if available):

Click Electronic Full-text Provider Links to see options for finding the electronic full text links to this article. Note there may be a subscription or fee required for access to the full text. See our FAQ for information on finding FREE full text articles.

This article may also be located in paper journal collections available in many libraries. Use the Journal and Publication Information above to find the full article.

MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Pediatrics - education
Peer Group
Problem-Based Learning
Questionnaires
Students, Medical - psychology

These are the highest related articles currently in the database:

See 100+ related articles.