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

Research output: Contribution to journal/Conference contribution in journal/Contribution to newspaper › Journal article › Research › 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.

Original language	English
Journal	Dansk Universitetspædagogisk Tidsskrift
Volume	20
Issue	37
ISSN	1901-5089
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.7146/dut.v20i37.145500
Publication status	Published - 5 Feb 2025

Keywords

Study groups
Medical education
Group work
Well being
Anatomy learning
Peer learning

Access to Document

10.7146/dut.v20i37.145500

Cite this

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title = "Dissecting study groups: A focus group investigation of informal small group work in anatomy",

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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Dissecting study groups: A focus group investigation of informal small group work in anatomy. / Møller, Anders Lerche ; Smith, Emil ; Musaeus, Peter.
In: Dansk Universitetspædagogisk Tidsskrift, Vol. 20, No. 37, 05.02.2025.

Research output: Contribution to journal/Conference contribution in journal/Contribution to newspaper › Journal article › Research › peer-review

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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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