THE STUDENT MONITORING BENEFITS: EXPERIENCE IN SKILLS, ATTITUDES AND COMMUNICATION DISCIPLINE IN THE VILA VELHA UNIVERSITY MEDICAL SCHOOL, IN BRAZIL

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE The monitoring is an academic extension graduation activity, performed by the students capable of orienting other students in a specific field. This activity enriches students bond, and grants to the mentor the possibility to apprehend the knowledge already acquired, improving the teaching-learning process and preparing the mentor to future teaching practice. The aim of this study is to encourage the students to practice monitoring, to develop an awareness about its importance, as well as demonstrate the benefits of its practice during graduation. METHOD In Vila Velha University, the Skills, Attitudes and Communication Discipline addresses topics mostly referred to Medical Semiology. During a maximum period of two years, the mentor acts in all precedent periods for eight hours a week. During these hours, the mentor orients students, on a previously chosen subject for the monitoring session. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS Around 400 students participate on the monitoring sessions offered per semester. The subjects chosen in advance allow the mentor to review and prepare the session, acquiring a better understand on the subjects covered on the session. The monitoring activity introduce the student on teaching experience, promoting a possibility to graduate future doctors and professors. The Medical Semiology is essential for the doctors’ practice. It is an opportunity that mentors have to improve their knowledge on the subjects, and their clinical techniques and abilities. It is essential to stimulate the monitoring practice in the academic community to promote better quality of education and better clinical practice.