Peer-Assisted Learning: A New Look at the Good Old Monitoring and Its Motivation from the Perspective of Student-Monitor

Peer-assisted learning (PAL), good old monitoring, has been used in medical schools and shown good results in professional development and in developing communication skills among students. This method provides mutual benefits for both monitors/near-peer teachers - NPT and monitored students; however, little is still known about the NPT’ perception about peer-assisted learning. To evaluate the real motivation of students to become NPT, and to investigate how NPT qualify their own teaching activities – such as productivity, performance and difficulties faced – seems to be a crucial step for implementing PAL in medical schools. The research instrument, a semi-structured questionnaire with 11 closed questions and 3 questions that allowed the answer “other” and further explanation, was answered by 26 medical students, NPT of basic disciplines. The results showed a positive effect of PAL on the teaching-learning process, and the real reasons of students to become NPT and the positive impacts of PAL on their academic life. The identification of these potential benefits should encourage medical schools to promote training so students can perform their role as NPT since PAL aids in the development of their clinical and pedagogical skills.