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?