Will students avail of a peer feedback system to tell
each other if they have concerns about professionalism?
Niamh Kelly, Ph.D.* UBC, Vancouver, B.C. V6T 2B5,
PURPOSE:
Having introduced a web based peer feedback step into our PBL curriculum we asked
whether students would use the system to let a peer know if they had concerns
about their professionalism?
METHODS:
Using a web based system, peers assessed each other as ‘have
some concerns’ ‘have no concerns’ or ‘good role model’ for five areas of professionalism,
using a simple tick box system. In addition they were invited to add comments
under the headings: ‘a real strength’
and ‘something to improve upon’. Peer feedback was performed at the end of each
of 7 PBL blocks for 7 peers with the option of remaining anonymous or
identifying oneself when giving feedback. At the end of the academic year 31
students donated their e-portfolios to this study consisting of 1471 peer
assessments.
RESULTS:
Nine of the 31 students (29%) were identified by their peers as ‘have some
concerns’ in one or more of the professional skill areas. The areas most
frequently cited for concerns were communication, work habits and team work,
with self assessment and motivation being less frequently cited. Most of the
‘have some concerns’ ratings were accompanied by comments under the ‘something
to improve upon’ category which explained why a peer had concerns. Examples of
these comments will be shared in the poster presentation.
CONCLUSION:
The study demonstrates that students will avail of a web
based peer feedback system to let each other know if they have concerns about
areas of professionalism.