Accomplishments

Small Group Teaching In Anatomy


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Category
Articles
Publisher
Ijrrpas
Publishing Date
01-Jan-2015
volume
5
Issue
1
Pages
1189-1192

As the medical undergraduate curriculum has been restructured, anatomy teaching methods have also progressed. Traditional teaching methods of dissection, tutorials and lectures are now supplemented by anatomical models, surgical videos and e-learning. The introduction of ‘small-group teaching’ in gross anatomy has emerged as noteworthy and has had a constructive impact on the academic achievement of students in anatomy. The interaction of 10-12 students and an instructor around a cadaver on a dissecting table in the traditional gross anatomy laboratory is an example of small group teaching in anatomy. Without refuting the significance of traditional lectures, a growing number of teachers are appreciating the importance of small group work, as an important supplement to lectures. The benefits are ample, including growing involvement by students, superior understanding, retention of material, finer skills, and an eagerness for self-directed learning—which can even motivate students for taking on independent research. Conclusion: Small group teaching has a plethora of benefits like positive interactions among students from diverse cultural backgrounds, exchange of information, academic achievement, possession of new knowledge and fine skills, aptitude to work out clinical problems, motivation to learn, confidence and social development.