Teaching Tip: Integrating Same-Level Peer-Assisted Learning in a Simulation-Based Emergency Dystocia Module for Final-Year Veterinary Students

Abstract

Due to faculty shortages, time restraints, and unpredictability of emergency cases, teaching emergency veterinary care is associated with a range of challenges. A novel simulation-based emergency veterinary care (EVC) module was introduced at the Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin. The module was mandatory for all final-year veterinary students ( n = 155) and consisted of a 5-hour online workshop series on communication skills, a series of interactive, virtual emergency cases, and a weeklong block event covering practical skills at different simulation-based learning stations. A same-level peer-assisted learning (PAL) approach was trialed at two learning stations. Sixteen students volunteered to act as student tutors for their peers. The student tutors received specific training and each tutored six groups of three to four tutees in one topic of their choice. Evaluation forms were filled out by both tutors and tutees with response rates of 100% and 89.7%, respectively. Most student tutors felt well prepared and comfortable in their role as tutor. They indicated exceptionally high levels of motivation and felt useful and competent during the exercise. The tutees reciprocated these opinions and specifically enjoyed the fun and positive learning environment that the tutors were able to create. Responses in the evaluation forms also indicated that the ratio of faculty member to tutors to tutees (1:3:9–12) was a good fit for the exercise. Reciprocal same-level PAL shows promise as an effective teaching tool for final-year veterinary students receiving EVC training.