Improving student learning and performance through a continuous flipped anatomy teaching model

The flipped classroom teaching model has been widely used in anatomy education to embrace a blended learning strategy. However, the impact that a continuous flipped classroom teaching model exerts on student learning of human topographic anatomy remains unclear. To address this question, student learning experience and performance were compared between third-year undergraduate students who participated in a continuous flipped anatomy classroom teaching since their first year (n = 65, experimental group) and those under the flipped anatomy teaching model only in their third year (n = 45, control group). A five-point Likert scale learning and teaching survey was conducted to evaluate students' perceptions of the flipped classroom model. Students under a continuous flipped classroom teaching model rated significantly higher on the impact of the flipped model on learning difficult anatomy concepts than the control group (*p = 0.0346). The rating on independent learning remained not statistically different between the two groups, although a trend difference was detected (p = 0.0604). Analysis of learning performance revealed that the experimental group significantly outperformed the control group when answering questions focusing on regional anatomy (*p = 0.0207). No significant difference was identified in students' marks of case-based studies between the two groups. In summary, the results of this study indicate that the flipped classroom model implemented over a long term continues to advance students' learning experience and performance in anatomy, indicating a "dose" effect on active learning. The findings of this study will assist the best practices of the flipped anatomy classroom and develop evidence-informed approaches to advance anatomy education in the future.