Teaching anatomy using an active and engaging learning strategy.

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Anatomy Education
• Student Engagement

Background:

• Active learning strategies like team-based learning (TBL), case-based learning (CBL), and flipped classrooms enhance student engagement in anatomy.
• These methods shift focus from knowledge transmission to student-led knowledge construction.
• This study explores an active learning strategy for teaching the musculoskeletal system to first-year MBBS students.

Purpose of the Study:

• To implement and evaluate an active and engaging learning strategy for teaching the musculoskeletal system.
• To examine the correlation between different assessment methods and student performance in anatomy.
• To gauge student perception of the implemented learning strategy.

Main Methods:

• An "Active and Engaging Learning Strategy" involving oral presentations on limb musculature was employed.
• Assessment included pre/post-presentation spotters, in-course assessments, and final examinations.
• Statistical analyses included paired t-tests, independent sample t-tests, and zero-order correlations.

Main Results:

• Students favored creative presentation formats: poems (37.1%), stories (21.2%), songs (11.4%), and skits (10.6%).
• A significant improvement in scores was observed in post-presentation spotters (p<0.01) and in-course/final examinations (p<0.01).
• The majority of students (84%) found the strategy beneficial, with 92% recommending it for future cohorts.

Conclusions:

• Active and engaging learning strategies are effective tools for anatomy education.
• Students demonstrated proactivity, creativity, and intelligence in preparing presentations.
• Further research using randomized controlled trials is recommended to validate various learning strategies in medical education.