III. Selection of assessment type
A. Peer and self assessment
1) Peer assessment
1) Peer assessment
Peer assessment involves students evaluating the performance or work of their peers, based on the idea that students can offer valuable insights and feedback to one another. In medical education, peer assessment plays a unique role in blending the science and art of medicine. It is not just about evaluating knowledge, but also skills, attitudes, and professional behaviors that are important in clinical practice.
BASIC Information
Peer assessment, as the name suggests, involves students evaluating the performance or work of their peers. This method of assessment is based on the idea that students, being on the same learning curve, can offer valuable insights and feedback to one another.
READ
Application of a peer learning and assessment model in an undergraduate pharmacy courseReviewing a fellow student’s patient case presentation and offering feedback on its clarity and comprehensiveness.
Observing a classmate performing a clinical skill, like taking a patient’s blood pressure, and evaluating their technique.
Collaboratively discussing and scoring answers to theoretical questions about diseases, diagnostics, or treatments.
INTERMEDIATE Information
In the intricate and detail-oriented realm of medical education, peer assessment takes on a unique role, blending both the science and art of medicine.
READ
The application of the tracer method with peer observation and formative feedback for professional development in clinical practice: a scoping reviewCase Study Review: After presenting patient cases, students can evaluate each other's presentations on aspects like depth, clarity, and accuracy.
Example: A student presents a complex case of COPD. Peers evaluate the thoroughness of history-taking, clarity in presenting findings, and appropriateness of the proposed management plan.
Clinical Skills Evaluation: Under supervision, students can critique each other’s execution of clinical procedures or patient interactions.
Example: In a simulated environment, one student might demonstrate how to use a stethoscope to listen to lung sounds. Peers would then assess their technique, approach, and patient communication.
READ
Peer assessment platform of clinical skills in undergraduate medical educationDiverse Perspectives: Peer feedback offers a range of viewpoints, giving a more holistic picture of a student's performance.
Skill Development: Actively evaluating others helps students recognize excellence and areas of improvement, which can be applied to their own practices.
Collaborative Learning: Promotes a sense of shared responsibility for learning and success in the cohort.
READ
Formative peer assessment in higher healthcare education programmes: a scoping reviewBias and Reliability: Peer assessments can be influenced by personal biases or relationships, affecting the reliability of evaluations.
Confidence and Training: Without proper guidance and criteria, students might feel ill-equipped to evaluate their peers accurately.
VIDEO
Peer Assessment as Personalized Connected LearningADVANCED Information
Peer assessment in a medical context is not just about evaluating knowledge but also skills, attitudes, and professional behaviors that are vital in clinical practice.
READ
Self Versus External Assessment for Technical Tasks in Surgery: A Narrative ReviewMultisource Feedback (360-Degree Assessment): Besides peer evaluations, gather feedback from patients, nursing staff, and supervising physicians to provide a rounded view of a student’s competencies.
Example: After a student completes a clinical rotation in pulmonology, feedback is solicited from all individuals they interacted with, creating a composite of their strengths and areas for growth.
Group Reflection and Discussion: After clinical simulations or patient interactions, students collectively discuss what went well and what could be improved, fostering group learning.
Example: After a simulated patient scenario where a patient presents with chest pain, students discuss differential diagnoses, management options, and communication techniques.
READ
Best Practices in Peer Assessment: Training Tomorrow’s Physicians to Obtain and Provide Quality FeedbackStructured Rubrics: Providing students with clear evaluation criteria ensures consistency and objectivity in peer assessments.
Feedback Training: Before engaging in peer assessment, offer training sessions on how to give constructive feedback, ensuring that comments are valuable and developmental.
Addressing Bias: Encourage students to approach evaluations with an objective mindset, focusing on the task and not personal relationships. Anonymous peer evaluations can also mitigate potential biases.
READ
Reliability and validity of student peer assessment in medical education: A systematic reviewSensitive Feedback Handling: Given the personal nature of feedback, create an environment where students feel safe and understand the developmental intent behind peer assessments.
Integrating with Other Assessment Types: While peer assessment offers valuable insights, it should complement, not replace, other forms of evaluation to ensure comprehensive student assessment.
Feedback Synthesis: Consider integrating peer feedback into a larger feedback portfolio for each student, allowing them to see trends, strengths, and consistent areas of improvement.