Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 31, 2026
10:39
Using Mouse Mammary Tumor Cells to Teach Core Biology Concepts: A Simple Lab Module
Published on: June 18, 2015
"The science of teaching": Understanding anatomy demonstrators' pedagogical content knowledge
Benjamin J Fox1,2, Michelle D Lazarus2,3, Georgina C Stephens2
1Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow, UK.
Anatomical Sciences Education
|February 5, 2026
Summary
Anatomy demonstrators implicitly use pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) in teaching, though they may not know the term. Developing their PCK can enhance student learning and teaching support.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Anatomy Teaching
- Pedagogical Content Knowledge
Background:
- Anatomy demonstrators are early-career educators crucial for anatomical learning.
- Their understanding and application of pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) are not well-understood.
- PCK integrates subject matter expertise with effective teaching strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore anatomy demonstrators' understanding of PCK.
- To identify factors influencing their PCK development.
- To inform strategies for enhancing PCK in anatomy education.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative study involving 11 current and former anatomy demonstrators at an Australian medical school.
- Data collected via semi-structured group and individual interviews (n=7).
- Reflexive thematic analysis employed using PCK components as a framework.
Main Results:
- Demonstrators showed limited explicit familiarity with PCK but demonstrated implicit PCK elements in practice.
- Knowledge of content, students, and context influenced their teaching approaches.
- Key factors for PCK development included experience, peer collaboration, reflection, feedback, and time.
Conclusions:
- Anatomy demonstrators utilize PCK components implicitly despite limited formal training.
- Opportunities exist to enhance demonstrator PCK for improved learner support.
- Supervisors should foster professional development, reflective practice, and integrate PCK into performance standards.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:32The Scientific Method
The scientific method is a detailed, empirical problem-solving process used by biologists and other scientists. This iterative approach involves formulating a question based on observation, developing a testable potential explanation for the observation (called a hypothesis), making and testing predictions based on the hypothesis, and using the findings to create new hypotheses and predictions.
Generally, predictions are tested using carefully-designed experiments. Based on the outcome of these...
Generally, predictions are tested using carefully-designed experiments. Based on the outcome of these...
00:55Skeletal Muscle Anatomy
Skeletal muscle is the most abundant type of muscle in the body. Tendons are the connective tissue that attaches skeletal muscle to bones. Skeletal muscles pull on tendons, which in turn pull on bones to carry out voluntary movements.
02:40The Scientific Method
Research is what makes the difference between facts and opinions. Facts are observable realities, and opinions are personal judgments, conclusions, or attitudes that may or may not be accurate. In the scientific community, facts can be established only using evidence collected through empirical research.
01:24Overview of Anatomy and Physiology
Human anatomy is the scientific study of the body's structures. Some of these structures are very small and can only be observed and analyzed with the assistance of a microscope. Other larger structures can readily be seen, manipulated, measured, and weighed. The word "anatomy" comes from a Greek root that means "to cut apart." Human anatomy was first studied by observing the body's exterior and the wounds of soldiers and other injuries. Later, physicians were allowed to dissect the bodies of...
01:20Anatomical Terminology
Knowledge of anatomy is essential to understand human biology and medicine. Anatomists and health care professionals use standard terminology to describe the human body with more precision and no ambiguity. Anatomical terms have mostly Greek and Latin-derived roots. Because these languages are rarely used in conversation, the meaning of words remains the same. Each term is made up of a root in between the prefixes and suffixes. The root of a term often refers to an organ, tissue, or condition,...
01:14Steps in the Modeling Process
Albert Bandura's theory of observational learning identifies four critical processes: attention, retention, motor reproduction, and reinforcement or motivation.
Attention is the first necessary component for observational learning. It involves focusing on what the model is doing and saying. For example, if you decide to take a drawing class to enhance your skills, you need to pay close attention to the instructor's words and hand movements. The characteristics of the model significantly...
Attention is the first necessary component for observational learning. It involves focusing on what the model is doing and saying. For example, if you decide to take a drawing class to enhance your skills, you need to pay close attention to the instructor's words and hand movements. The characteristics of the model significantly...