The Effects of Peer Tutoring on Knowledge and Satisfaction of Nursing Students in The Anatomy and Physiology of Nervous System Course, Boromarajonani College of Nursing Chiang Mai

Abstract

This quasi-experimental research aimed to study the effects of peer tutoring on knowledge and satisfaction of nursing students in the Nervous System of the Anatomy and Physiology I course. The population in this study included 308 participants. One hundred and fifty of them were the first year nursing students who studied Anatomy and Physiology I, and 158 of them were the third year nursing students who were tutors. The research utilized four tool including: 1) a manual for peer tutoring activity; 2)an end lesson test on the nervous system in the Anatomy and Physiology I; 3) an end semester test on knowledge of Anatomy and Physiology I; and 4) a satisfaction survey regarding participation in the peer tutoring activity. The content validity index of an end lesson test and the student satisfaction survey were 0.6 and 0.8, respectively. The reliability scores were 0.87 and 0.89, respectively. The activities were carried out by preparing groups of tutors and students by explaining the principles of peer tutoring method. Then the students’ needs were assessed. and implemented tutoring methods for 1-2 hours, 1 and 2 times per week, over a duration of 1 month, based on each group's schedules. The GROW Model was used for evaluation. Data analyses were conducted using descriptive statistics and Independent sample T-test.

The result revealed that at the post-study stage in both the third year and the first-year students (Mean=25.55, S.D.=2.63;  Mean=23.53, S.D.=5.34) were found significantly higher than at the pre-study stage (Mean=14.65, S.D.=3.92;  Mean=12.90, S.D.=4.63) with p < .01. Additionally, the average student satisfaction scores after attending the peer tutoring activity were found at a high level ( Mean=4.00, S.D.=0.50).

In summary, tutoring methods should be used in other subjects to improve the effectiveness of teaching and learning. It is suggested that teachers should evaluate students' needs, use various and flexible teaching techniques, and increase time of tutoring according to students' schedules.