Near Peer Teaching Model

Definition: The provision of learning support to junior learners by senior peers
Synonyms: Pyramidal learning, Tiered Learning, "Medical Model", Near Peer Learning
Model description: Senior learners such as Residents or PharmD students support 2nd/4th year students

Attending Pharmacist Preceptor > Pharmacy Resident or PharmD > 4th Year Student > 2nd Year Student

Advantages: Decreased anxiety for junior learner (compared to 1:1 model), teaching/leadership development for senior learner, encourages lifelong learning and fosters culture of precepting

The following resources provide suggestions and ideas to implement this model:

References:

  1. Leung C et al. Implementation of a near-peer teaching model in pharmacy education: experiences and challenges. CJHP 2012;65:394-8
  2. Lekkas P et al. No model of clinical education for physiotherapy students is superior to another: a systematic review Aust J Physio 2007;52:19-28

For more information or support and planning, implementing new models, please contact your Faculty Liaison.

Near Peer Model Guidebook for Preceptors

With the collaborative efforts of the Pharmacy Faculties at University of British Columbia and University of Alberta, the Association of Faculties of Pharmacy of Canada and preceptors from across Canada, the Near-Peer Model in Pharmacy Experiential Education: A Guidebook for Preceptors has been developed. This guidebook is second in a series to provide preceptors and experiential education coordinators with guidance to support best practices in non-traditional learner-preceptor models. Please review the table of contents for the complete list of topics. Some of the topics included are:

  1. The Near-Peer Model (NP): What it is, and what learners and preceptors say?
  2. Strategies for Success: Planning the placement, setting expectations, suggested activities and learners and optimizing the experience
  3. Myth vs.Truth: Common questions and situations answered

Appendix I. Timeline (for pre- and during the placement)

Appendix II. Acknowledgements

Feedback about the Preceptor Guidebook is welcome and can be directed to:

Janice Yeung
Director, Office of Experiential Education
Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences
University of British Columbia
janice.yeung@ubc.ca

Ann Thompson
Assistant Dean, Experiential Education
Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
University of Alberta
athompson@ualberta.ca