Effect of peer teaching on the performance of undergraduate nursing students enrolled in nursing administration course

Abstract

Background: Peer teaching is an effective educational approach for nursing students. This prepares the students for their future roles as educators, builds their self esteem, and enhances their psychomotor skills and their attitudes. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of peer teaching in a nursing administration course on undergraduate nursing students’ performance.

Methods: The study was conducted at the Nursing Administration Department, Faculty of Nursing, Zagazig University using a quasi-experimental nonrandomized comparative design. All 338 nursing students enrolled in the 4th year were invited to participate, and 333 (266 females and 67 males) agreed. These were divided into two groups: study and control. Three tools were used for data collection: Student's Clinical Evaluation checklist, Clinical Teaching Preference Questionnaire, and Peer Teaching Experience Questionnaire.

Results: The study findings indicate that the performance score of the nursing students who learned by peer teaching will be significantly better than those trained by assistant teaching staff in traditional clinical sessions. The students in this group agreed upon many benefits of the peer teaching both as providers (teachers) and consumers (students).

Conclusion: The study findings add to the literature supporting the use of peer teaching approach in nursing education practical training. The approach is beneficial for enhancing students' acquisition of skills with better performance, in addition to building-up their teaching abilities, which are integral part of their future nursing role.