The AAO Journal, 2025/06, 35(2):23. doi: 10.53702/i2375-5717-35.2.13, type of study: ,css,

Full text    (https://aaoj.kglmeridian.com/view/journals/aaoj/35/2/article-p13.xml)

Keywords:

cross sectional study [894]
osteopathic medicine [2108]
osteopathic principles [98]
teaching assistants [2]
USA [1751]

Abstract:

Introduction: We evaluated the impact of the OPP-TA program, which aims to enhance student interest, learning, and skill acquisition by providing peer-to-peer teaching and support. Research in this area is sparse. One COM explored student perceptions of a peer-to-peer teaching/tutoring program using surveys, and another used surveys and academic performance to evaluate the impact on students and tutors. We hypothesize that the OPP-TA program will improve skills/understanding and exam performance among OMS1s and OMS2 TAs, and OPP faculty/staff impressions of student engagement – outcomes of clear relevance across all COMs. Methods: Surveys were distributed to all OMS1s, OMS2 TAs, and OPP faculty/staff over two consecutive academic years. Surveys were comprised of statements exploring perceptions of program impact on engagement, learning, exam performance, and general program impression using a Likert scale to assess responses. Responses were categorized as positive, negative, or neutral, and relative frequencies for each were calculated. Results: Response rates were <20% for students and ~50% for faculty/staff. 85.0% of all respondents expressed positive impressions of the program. 77.4% of OMS1s and 95.8% of OMS2-TAs reported improved OMM skills and understanding. 82.3% of OMS1s and 75.0% of OMS2-TAs reported improvement on OPP practical exams. 43.5% of all students reported improvement on OPP written exams. 86.7% of OPP faculty/staff reported improved student engagement and understanding. Conclusions: Limitations of our study include low response rates, representativeness, and lack of a control/comparison group. However, the data provide preliminary evidence for the potential benefits of OPP-TA programs. Future research should increase subject participation, explore ideas to optimize program impact, and employ methods, like focus groups, that allow for more detailed feedback and suggestions for improvement.