Pedagogy in practice: a qualitative analysis of evidence-based teaching methods used by graduate-entry near-peer medical educators

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Source: Frontiers Medicine

Original: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmed.2026.1757648...

Published: 2026-02-27T00:00:00Z

The study analyzed 82 reflective essays by Swansea University Medical School Postgraduate Entry Medical (GEM) students who taught anatomy and physiology as Near Peer Educators (NPEs) in the academic years 2022/23 and 2023/24. Participants completed a short "Clinical Educator Program" and gave reflective reports. The main findings revealed two interconnected themes: the use of evidence-based cognitive tools such as retrieval practice, dual coding, and concrete examples to manage cognitive load. The second theme included a humanistic framework with the creation of psychological safety, universal design and adaptive strategies for the well-being and inclusiveness of pupils. NPEs thus demonstrated a sophisticated pedagogical craft combining the science of learning with a relational approach. The authors suggest developing NPE training towards communities of practice and integrating it into clinical education.