Peer-Assisted Learning in Introductory Histopathology Improves Learner Scores and Delivers Learner Satisfaction

Purpose Peer-assisted learning (PAL) is learning facilitated by non-professional teachers who are members of the same peer or near-peer group as learners. The authors designed and implemented PAL for teaching histopathology to first year medical students (M1) by near-peer, and second year medical students (M2). We are among the first in the USA to teach introductory histopathology, a basic science element, using PAL. To evaluate our program, we used two assessment objectives: (1) Is peer teaching of histopathology as effective as faculty teaching? (2) Are students satisfied with peer teaching? Methods From 2009–2014, the authors evaluated teaching effectiveness by comparing weekly assessment scores of PAL-taught students with scores of students who received only faculty instruction. To evaluate satisfaction, PAL-taught M1s completed surveys assessing the learning environment, teacher competency, and overall teacher performance; surveys also included space for optional written comments. Results Under PAL, all 5 years of students demonstrated improved scores compared with the last year of faculty instruction. Improvements during four of those years were statistically significant; the most recent year (2014) showed the greatest improvement (3.5 %) ( p