Dissecting study groups: A focus group investigation of informal small group work in anatomy

Anders Lerche Møller; Emil Smith; Peter Musaeus

doi:10.7146/dut.v20i37.145500

Dissecting study groups: A focus group investigation of informal small group work in anatomy

Anders Lerche Møller, Emil Smith, Peter Musaeus

Publikation: Bidrag til tidsskrift/Konferencebidrag i tidsskrift /Bidrag til avis › Tidsskriftartikel › Forskning › peer review

Abstract

This study investigates the dynamics of study groups among second-semester medical students enrolled in a gross anatomy course at Aarhus University, Denmark, during the autumn of 2018. Study groups served as organising units that had beneficial motivational, learning, and social effects. They provided accountability, academic support, and progress monitoring. Shared beliefs within these groups, influenced by near-peers, shaped the social norms for studying. The study suggests enhancing the effectiveness of study groups by targeting these beliefs through formal education of social role models, such as student teachers. Recognising the limitations of homogenous groups, the paper advocates for diverse peer groups to develop teamwork and higher order thinking skills. These findings underscore the importance of considering both academic and psychological aspects of group dynamics to improve student wellbeing and academic performance.

Originalsprog	Engelsk
Tidsskrift	Dansk Universitetspædagogisk Tidsskrift
Vol/bind	20
Nummer	37
ISSN	1901-5089
DOI	https://doi.org/10.7146/dut.v20i37.145500
Status	Udgivet - 5 feb. 2025

Adgang til dokumentet

10.7146/dut.v20i37.145500

Citationsformater

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abstract = "This study investigates the dynamics of study groups among second-semester medical students enrolled in a gross anatomy course at Aarhus University, Denmark, during the autumn of 2018. Study groups served as organising units that had beneficial motivational, learning, and social effects. They provided accountability, academic support, and progress monitoring. Shared beliefs within these groups, influenced by near-peers, shaped the social norms for studying. The study suggests enhancing the effectiveness of study groups by targeting these beliefs through formal education of social role models, such as student teachers. Recognising the limitations of homogenous groups, the paper advocates for diverse peer groups to develop teamwork and higher order thinking skills. These findings underscore the importance of considering both academic and psychological aspects of group dynamics to improve student wellbeing and academic performance.",

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AB - This study investigates the dynamics of study groups among second-semester medical students enrolled in a gross anatomy course at Aarhus University, Denmark, during the autumn of 2018. Study groups served as organising units that had beneficial motivational, learning, and social effects. They provided accountability, academic support, and progress monitoring. Shared beliefs within these groups, influenced by near-peers, shaped the social norms for studying. The study suggests enhancing the effectiveness of study groups by targeting these beliefs through formal education of social role models, such as student teachers. Recognising the limitations of homogenous groups, the paper advocates for diverse peer groups to develop teamwork and higher order thinking skills. These findings underscore the importance of considering both academic and psychological aspects of group dynamics to improve student wellbeing and academic performance.

KW - Study groups

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KW - Group work

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KW - Anatomy learning

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DO - 10.7146/dut.v20i37.145500

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