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Guided Drawing to Strengthen Conceptual Understanding and Knowledge Transfer in Musculoskeletal Anatomy
Ingrid Kenyon1, Sara Allison1, Polina Waterman1
1Department of Biomedical Sciences, Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine, Kalamazoo, MI USA.
Medical Science Educator
|July 13, 2026
Summary
Guided drawing enhances anatomy learning by improving conceptual understanding of muscle function and enabling students to apply reasoning to new areas. This active learning approach aids deeper integration of anatomical knowledge.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Anatomy Learning
- Active Learning Strategies
Background:
- Traditional anatomy education relies heavily on memorization, hindering the development of structure-function relationship reasoning.
- Guided drawing offers an active learning method to construct simplified anatomical representations, clarifying complex relationships.
Purpose of the Study:
- To strengthen conceptual understanding of shoulder anatomy through guided drawing.
- To evaluate the transfer of anatomical reasoning skills gained from drawing to analogous body structures.
Main Methods:
- A 20-minute guided drawing activity (observe-simplify-discuss) focused on the rotator cuff was implemented in a gross anatomy lab.
- Knowledge was assessed using multiple-choice tests for the shoulder (Intervention Set) and hip (Transfer Set) at pre-, post-, and delayed posttest intervals.
Main Results:
- Significant improvements in knowledge scores were observed for both the shoulder (Intervention Set) and hip (Transfer Set) post-activity.
- Students found the drawing session engaging and helpful for understanding muscle function, with many applying the technique to other anatomy topics.
- No significant long-term retention was observed at delayed testing.
Conclusions:
- Guided drawing effectively enhances conceptual understanding of muscle function and promotes the transfer of anatomical reasoning to analogous joints.
- This simplified drawing approach provides a scalable method for active learning, fostering deeper integration of anatomy knowledge.
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