Implementation of online peer feedback for student self-reflection – first steps on the development of a feedback culture at a medical faculty

Objective: Acquisition and application of professional and personal competences is accompanied by the formation and consolidation of attitudes and values and is influenced by the norms and moods (trust and feedback culture) experienced in the learning environment in question [1]. In particular, feedback and peer feedback can have a positive influence on the learning progress and personal development of students [2], [3], [4]. The promotion of a culture of teaching and ultimately of trust or feedback, plays a special role in this [5]. The aim was therefore to structurally integrate feedback into the curriculum of a model study course in order to develop a feedback culture in which students can develop personally and professionally with the help of regular and constructive feedback. Methodology: Following an initial pilot phase in 2009, (peer) feedback was gradually integrated into the curriculum at the medical faculty, in the first instance through checklists and subsequently through an online questionnaire and direct interviews. The activities were regularly analyzed on the basis of student evaluations using the EvaSys evaluation software and semi-standardized questionnaire-based interviews with six students in 2009 and 13 students each in 2012 and 2013. Results: Initially, students felt that the trust and feedback culture at their location as being in need of improvement. There were uncertainties regarding the use of constructive feedback and making criticism but also trust issues regarding the expression of personal perceptions to faculty members. It was possible to document the increase in the acceptance of the offers in the course of their establishment by an improvement in student evaluation and an increase in the number of participants in the voluntary offers amongst others. Qualitative data showed that students had a more positive perception or assessment of the location’s feedback concept as well as indications of improvements in the culture of trust at the location. The proportion of constructive free-text comments increased significantly by 11% to 99.4% compared to the previous year (t(3)=-3.79, p=0.04). Thus, in terms of the objective, an increase in feedback activities and their quality at the faculty was achieved. Conclusion: Feedback, its acceptance as well as the quality, can be positively influenced at a faculty. Change measures should be tested repeatedly in discussion with users regarding practicability in order to directly pick up implementation issues and obstacles so they can be remedied in the interests of the users. This can influence the development of a culture of trust and feedback and should promote the personal and professional development of students in the long term.