title: Peer Teaching to Foster Learning in Physiology.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Peer teaching is an effective tool to promote learning and retention of knowledge. By preparing to teach, students are encouraged to construct their own learning program, so that they can explain effectively to fellow learners. Peer teaching is introduced in present study to foster learning and pedagogical skills amongst first year medical under-graduates in physiology with a Hypothesis that teaching is linked to learning on part of the teacher.
  
  
  METHODS
  Non-randomized, Interventional study, with mixed methods design. Cases experienced peer teaching whereas controls underwent tutorials for four consecutive classes. Quantitative Evaluation was done through pre/post test score analysis for Class average normalized gain and tests of significance, difference in average score in surprise class test after one month and percentage of responses in closed ended items of feedback questionnaire. Qualitative Evaluation was done through categorization of open ended items and coding of reflective statements.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The average pre and post test score was statistically significant within cases (p = 0.01) and controls (p = 0.023). The average post test scores was more for cases though not statistically significant. The class average normalized gain (g) for Tutorials was 49% and for peer teaching 53%. Surprise test had average scoring of 36 marks (out of 50) for controls and 41 marks for cases. Analysed section wise, the average score was better for Long answer question (LAQ) in cases. Section wise analysis suggested that through peer teaching, retention was better for descriptive answers as LAQ has better average score in cases. Feedback responses were predominantly positive for efficacy of peer teaching as a learning method. The reflective statements were sorted into reflection in action, reflection on action, claiming evidence, describing experience, and recognizing discrepancies.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Teaching can stimulate further learning as it involves interplay of three processes: metacognitive awareness; deliberate practice, and self-explanation. Coupled with immediate feedback and reflective exercises, learning can be measurably enhanced along with improved teaching skills.
authors.affiliation: Professor, Department of Physiology, Professor & Head, Department of Medical Education, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences (DU) , Sawangi(M), Wardha, India .
authors.forename: Tripti K
authors.initials: TK
authors.lastname: Srivastava
authors.affiliation: Professor, Department of Physiology, Dean, Interdisciplinary Health Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences (DU) , Sawangi(M), Wardha, India .
authors.forename: Lalitbhushan S
authors.initials: LS
authors.lastname: Waghmare
authors.affiliation: Chairman, Academic Committee, Medical Council of India , New Delhi.
authors.forename: Ved Prakash
authors.initials: VP
authors.lastname: Mishra
authors.affiliation: Professor, Department of Physiology, Dean, Interdisciplinary Health Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences (DU) , Sawangi(M), Wardha, India .
authors.forename: Alka T
authors.initials: AT
authors.lastname: Rawekar
authors.affiliation: Professor, Department of Physiology, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences (DU) , Sawangi(M), Wardha, India .
authors.forename: Nazli
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Quazi
authors.affiliation: Associate Professor, Department of Physiology, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences (DU) , Sawangi(M), Wardha, India .
authors.forename: Arunita T
authors.initials: AT
authors.lastname: Jagzape
keywords: Pedagogical skills; Peer assisted learning; Undergraduate Medical Education