title: Peer assisted learning as a formal instructional tool.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To explore the utility of peer assisted learning (PAL) in medical schools as a formal instructional tool.
  
  
  METHODS
  Grounded theory approach.
  
  
  METHODS
  King Edward Medical University, Lahore, from July 2011 to December 2011.
  
  
  METHODS
  A study was designed using semi-structured in-depth interviews to collect data from final year medical students (n=6), residents (n=4) and faculty members (n=3), selected on the basis of non-probability purposive sampling. The qualitative data thus generated was first translated in English and transcribed and organized into major categories by using a coding framework. Participants were interviewed two more times to further explore their perceptions and experiences related to emergent categories. An iterative process was employed using grounded theory analysis technique to eventually generate theory.
  
  
  RESULTS
  PAL was perceived as rewarding in terms of fostering higher order thinking, effective teaching skills and in improving self efficacy among learners.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  PAL can offer learning opportunity to medical students, residents and faculty members. It can improve depth of their knowledge and skills.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, King Edward Medical University, Lahore.
authors.forename: Syed Asghar
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Naqi
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004504:Education, Medical, Undergraduate / Q000379:methods*; D005180:Faculty, Medical; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D007858:Learning; D008297:Male; D017145:Models, Educational; D010154:Pakistan; D010379:Peer Group; D015397:Program Evaluation; D036301:Qualitative Research; D013337:Students, Medical / Q000523:psychology*; D013663:Teaching / Q000379:methods*