LAUSR

OBJECTIVE To compare peer-assisted learning with facilitator-assisted learning in small group format comprising undergraduate medical students. METHODS The interventional study was conducted from March to August 2016 at Peshawar Medical College, Peshawar, Pakistan, and comprised 2nd year medical students who were randomised into two groups; Group 1 was exposed to peer-assisted learning while Group 2 had facilitator-assisted learning. A validated multiple-choice questionnaire was used for data collection both before and after the intervention. SPSS 19 was used for data analysis. RESULTS Of the 80 subjects, there were 40(50%) in each of the two groups, and the groups had 20(50%) males and as many females each. Mean age of Group 1 was 18.90±0.68 years and in Group 2 it was 18.40±0.72 years. There was no significant difference between academic scores of the two groups (p=0.65). Within the groups, pre- and post-intervention test scores showed significant difference (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Peer-assisted learning was found to be as good as facilitator-assisted learning and it can be introduced as a method of effective teaching.