Introduction and evaluation of a modular seminar system in gross anatomy teaching at the Hannover Medical School

We present a new modular seminar system which has been introduced into the gross anatomy teaching at the Hannover Medical School. It consists of seven modules with a clinical emphasis. The new modular seminar system was evaluated by an anonymous questionnaire. The results showed that the seminar system as a whole, and the different modules with one exception were highly appreciated by the students. The evaluation also revealed that the main reason for the success of a module is the manner of the teaching and learning rather than the clinical relevance. Taking into account the results of this evaluation we describe the appropriate style of teaching for use in a seminar. The success of this new approach to small group instruction in Germany should encourage other teachers of anatomy and other undergraduate subjects to consider new methods of teaching.