# Exploring Near-Peer Teaching for Examination Preparation Among Undergraduate Medical Students: Perceptions of Peer Tutors and Tutees

## TL;DR

This study explores how near-peer teaching helps medical students prepare for exams and finds that both tutors and tutees benefit from the approach.

## Contribution

The study provides new insights into the effectiveness of near-peer teaching in exam preparation among medical students.

## Key findings

- Over 50% of tutees strongly agreed that tutors demonstrated strong knowledge and clarity.
- Themes from feedback included empathy, study tips, and tailored guidance.
- NPT is seen as beneficial for exam preparation in medical education.

## Abstract

Background: Near-peer teaching (NPT), where students take on the role of educators for peers, is widely used in medical education to enhance the learning experience. We sought to explore the perspectives of near-peer tutors and the advantages of NPT among tutors and tutees in the context of exam preparation.

Implementation: We conducted NPT sessions for examination-oriented revision.

Results: The feedback included rating the session and open-ended questions for scope and for free-text comments. Likert scale analysis revealed that almost 50% of tutees strongly agreed that tutors have a strong knowledge base, clarity of concepts, and an approachable attitude, and provided valuable resource materials. Free text comments were categorized into common themes: empathy and relatability, studying tips, drafting answers, tailored guidance, exam-specific approach, and precise revision.

Conclusion: Based on the feedback of tutees and tutors, initiating NPT in medical colleges for exam preparation will go a long way in benefiting the students.