Drawing in Veterinary Anatomy Education: What Do Students Use It For?

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Anatomy Education
• Art as a Learning Tool

Background:

• Information on using arts for learning in veterinary anatomy is limited compared to medical education.
• Drawing is a potential method for enhancing veterinary anatomy learning, particularly for self-study and exam preparation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate veterinary students' utilization of drawing in various aspects of anatomy learning.
• To identify factors influencing the use of drawing in veterinary anatomy education.

Main Methods:

• Prospective, questionnaire-based study surveying veterinary students.
• Quantitative analysis of drawing use in self-study, examinations, dissection preparation, and reflection.
• Qualitative feedback on perceived benefits and barriers to drawing in anatomy learning.

Main Results:

• First-year students with artistic preferences used drawing more frequently in most learning aspects.
• Drawing use in examinations and post-dissection reflection did not significantly correlate with artistic preference.
• Previous university studies did not significantly correlate with drawing use in anatomy learning.
• Students suggested encouragement and teacher-provided visuals would boost drawing adoption.

Conclusions:

• Drawing is underutilized in veterinary anatomy learning, particularly for comparative anatomy aspects.
• Student encouragement and teacher-produced visuals can increase drawing's role in anatomy education.
• Drawing workshops and self-directed learning initiatives can promote its use, especially when traditional methods like cadaver dissection are unavailable.