Scalable Science Education via Online Cooperative Questioning

How can the scalable powers of peer learning and online technologies be most effectively used to support conceptual understanding in science education? This paper reviews cognitive science research on how people learn via question answering and authoring and evaluates a promising novel learning design that applies these principles.

A systematic review of using team-based learning in a pharmacokinetics course

Background: This systematic review aimed to summarise an application of team-based learning (TBL) in pharmacokinetics courses, to compare the learning outcomes of TBL to that of traditional lecture-based courses, and to identify the benefits of using a TBL strategy in pharmacokinetics courses. Method: PubMed, Scopus, and ERIC EBSCO databases were systematically searched, and 191 non-redundant articles were retrieved. Of these, seven articles were included. Results: Implementation of a TBL in pharmacokinetic courses resulted in several positive results including higher examination grades, improvement in professionalism aspects such as altruism, accountability, and honesty. Student engagement, peer learning, and the development of transferable skills could also be observed. Despite these positive benefits, some challenges exist, such as an increase in initial workload for faculty members, preparation of appropriate assignments, and suitable strategy to facilitate students. Conclusion: Future TBL implementation should be critically designed to optimise faculties’ workload and students’ engagement to the course.

A peer learning intervention in workplace introduction - managers’ and new graduates’ perspectives

Background Evaluation of a complex intervention are often described as being diminished by difficulties regarding acceptability, compliance, delivery of the intervention, recruitment and retention. Research of peer learning for nursing students have found several positive benefits while studies of peer learning for newly graduated nurses are lacking. This study aimed (1) to investigate the study process in terms of (a) first-line managers’ perspectives on the intervention study, the difficulties they face and how they handle these and (b) new graduates’ fidelity to the intervention and (2) to examine the effect of the peer learning intervention in workplace introduction for newly graduated nurses. Methods A mixed-methods approach using semi-structured interviews with eight managers, repeated checklist for fidelity and questionnaires conducted with 35 new graduates from June 2015 and January 2018, whereof 21 in the intervention group. The peer learning intervention’s central elements included pairs of new graduates starting their workplace introduction at the same time, working the same shift and sharing responsibility for a group of patients for 3 weeks. The intervention also included 3 months of regular peer reflection. Results Managers offered mostly positive descriptions of using peer learning during workplace introduction. The intervention fidelity was generally good. Because of recruitment problems and thereby small sample size, it was difficult to draw conclusions about peer learning effects and, thus, the study hypothesis could either be accepted or rejected. Thereby, the study should be regarded as a pilot. Conclusions The present study found positive experiences of, from managers, and fidelity to the peer learning intervention; regarding the experimental design, there were lessons learned. Trial registration Before starting data collection, a trial registration was registered at (Trial ID ISRCTN14737280).

‘Time to Be an Academic Influencer’

This paper explores how Peer-to-Peer learning can level-up students' understanding of computer-aided design (CAD) with Autodesk Auto- CAD programme for Interior Design Year 1 students. As students come from different knowledge backgrounds, they approach the module with different understanding levels, with the weaker students unable to follow the live demonstration tutorials. A peer tutoring assignment using a student-led peer-to-peer learning pedagogy, was introduced to advance students' understanding and internalise content better by reinforcing their learning. Each group has an equal proportion of students with different levels of knowledge and capabilities, and each group member conducted self-research on a topic segment, shared their knowledge and findings within their group, and thereafter curated a 15-minute lecture and facilitation workshop for peers. Tutors provided consultation and mediation, encouraging students’ participation. The assignment’s results showed that the peer-to-peer learning approach efficaciously empowered students and motivated learning, enabling them to be self-directed learners.

Acceptability of peer learning and education approach on malaria prevention (PLEA-malaria) through primary schools communities in rural Ethiopia: peer educators’ perspectives

Background Evidence on peer educators’ experiences of implementing the school-based educational interventions on malaria prevention would be used as inputs for malaria eliminating efforts. This study explored the acceptability of the school-based peer-learning and education approach on malaria prevention (PLEA-malaria) among peer educators in Ethiopia. Methods This process evaluation study was aimed to examine the success of the school-based PLEA-malaria that was implemented in 75 primary schools in Jimma from 2017 to 2019. A mixed research method was employed to collect post-intervention data from 404 peer educators and key stakeholders. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and interview guide. Multivariable linear regression modelling was performed using SPSS software version 26.0. Atlas ti 7.5 for windows was used to analyse the qualitative data. The result was presented by triangulating the findings of the qualitative and quantitative methods. Results The mean score (M, range = R) of acceptability of PLEA-malaria was (M = 20.20, R = 6–30). The regression modelling showed that age; (β = 0.264, 95% CI 0.266 to 0.632), GPA; (β = 0.106, 95% CI 0.008 to 0.074), parental readiness for malaria education; (β = 0.184, 95% CI 0.711 to 2.130), frequency of peer education; (β = 0.232, 95% CI 1.087 to 2.514) and team spirit; (β = 0.141, 95% CI 0.027 to 0.177) were positively associated with the acceptability while this relationship was negative for the number of ITN in the household; (β = − 0.111, 95% CI − 1.182 to -0.13) and frequency of parent-student communication; (β = − 0.149, 95% CI − 1.201 to − 0.293). The qualitative study identified facilitators of PLEA-malaria (e.g. team formation process, outcome efficacy, presence of schools’ structures, schools priority, and support) and barriers (e.g. low commitments, threat appraisal, response efficacy, and PLEA-malaria implementation gaps). Conclusion The results suggested that the acceptability of the school-based PLEA-malaria was higher implying the strategy is promising in promoting malaria prevention in primary schools. Considering factors related to personal, access to malaria preventive services, school system, and social support in education and behaviour change interventions would be important to improve the acceptability. The relationship about how an improvement in the level of acceptability would in turn influences malaria preventive behaviours among the students should be investigated.

Group Size and Peer Learning: Peer Discussions in Different Group Size Influence Learning in a Biology Exercise Performed on a Tablet With Stylus

Determining the optimal discussion group size to improve performance and learning has created an intense debate in psychology and provided mixed findings in laboratory and field settings. In a quasi-experimental study in the education field, we examined the effect of discussion group size on individual learning in a biology exercise performed on a tablet with stylus. The sample involved 102 secondary school students divided into four classes, each corresponding to one of the four experimental conditions (alone without peer discussion vs discussion in dyads vs triads vs four-member groups). They were asked to draw individually a functional schema of the human respiratory system, once before and once after discussing with peers (or reflecting alone). Both drawings were evaluated by four independent coders, and the learning gain for each student was computed from these evaluations. Results revealed that learning gain was greater for students discussing in four-member groups than for those in the other conditions. Additional analyses suggested that this effect was moderated by the students’ gender, with the learning gain being greater after discussion in four-member groups among females only. These findings suggest that group size of four individuals might be the optimal configuration to improve peer learning.

Leading with love: learning and shared accountability

PurposeTo describe peer learning and shared accountability and their use within our management system to improve the rate of patient annual wellness visits completed by primary care physicians.Design/methodology/approachOur management system implements programs to improve performance on a measure, initially declaring the goal, roles and responsibilities. In the illustrative case in this article, primary care physicians are assigned the goal of completing annual wellness visits for 65% of their patients by the end of 2021. To support physicians, peer learning networks are established, connecting teams, physicians and others to broadly share best practices and support better performance. Shared accountability means higher-level leaders in the organization need to first set lower-level leaders up to succeed before holding lower-level leaders accountable for achieving the declared goal. Our shared accountability model describes processes of the higher-level leader to ensure lower-leader success. The accountability process if a lower-level leader does not improve performance involves 3 steps: (1) a letter; (2) meeting with hospital executives for peer review; (3) review for sanctions/disciplinary action.FindingsIn quarter 1 of calendar year 2021, we identified 30 physicians that were behind pace for reaching the 65% goal of AWVs with patients for 2021 and also had not achieved the 2020 60% goal. After step 1, 22 of 30 (73%) physicians were on target for the goal. After step 2, 3 of 8 physicians were on target for the goal.Originality/valuePeer learning and shared accountability are underdeveloped in health care, and often viewed as at odds with each other. In our framework we integrate them. Thus, we formed learning networks, connecting every level of the organization and branching out across the health system to share ideas and build capability. Our shared accountability model removes the punitive connotation often connected to accountability by aligning higher and lower-level leaders to work together as a team. This model is improving personal performance among primary care physicians, and now being used for all quality and value efforts in our health system. We believe if broadly applied, this model could help improve value in health care.