Student-Centered Anatomy Learning Survey: Insights from the First-Year Medical Students
Abdalrahman Kamaleldin Hassan Ali, Mujahid Imam, Fawaz Eljili M Abdelradi, Ahmed Zidan, Mohammed Hamed, Sanna Taha, Mohamed Sadig Elkhider Omara, Ahmed Aydrose Essa, Ahmed Tahir Badri Mohammed, Nasib Faisal Albasheer Ahmed, Mogahed A H Elfangry, Yagoub Badr Elebaid, Mohamed Mustafa Ahmed, Amna Hussein, Lama Hakim, Mia Noredin, Suhaila Eldirdiri Elgaili.
Abstract
Introduction: Human anatomy is a foundational
discipline in medical education, focusing on the structural and functional
relationships within the human body. Rooted in ancient Greek origins, the term
"anatomy" signifies the dissection and study of body structures. As
medical education evolves, bridging theoretical knowledge with clinical
application becomes essential. Various teaching methods aim to enhance
students’ practical skills and engagement in anatomy addressing the challenge
of memorization and application. Traditional teaching methods, including
dissection, prosecution, tutorials, and lectures, have long been supplemented
by modern approaches such as anatomical models and e-learning. Despite these
advancements, the preferences of medical students and anatomy faculty towards
teaching methods remain unclear. Emerging trends like e-learning and
technological innovations present new opportunities and challenges, especially
amid the COVID-19 pandemic, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of effective
teaching strategies.
Methodology: The study was designed as a
cross-sectional survey to evaluate the teaching practices of The Human Anatomy
Department. The survey was conducted using a structured questionnaire,
targeting medical students who had completed their first-year clinical courses.
The study took place at The University of Science and Technology, Faculty of
Medicine in Khartoum State. The study population included medical students of
both genders who had completed their first-year clinical courses. Inclusion
criteria were students who had finished their first-year clinical courses and
agreed to complete the questionnaire. Students who had not completed their
first-year clinical courses were excluded from the study. The study aimed for
total coverage of all first-year medical students in The University of Science
and Technology with 248 participants were involved. Data was collected using a
structured questionnaire distributed via Google Forms. The questionnaire
adapted from a 2019 study by S. Swetha et al. at Saveetha Medical College,
Chennai, Tamil Nadu, comprised 18 items. These items focused on various aspects
of the current teaching methodology and assessment techniques, including
preferences for teaching aids, methodologies for theoretical and practical
classes and evaluation patterns for histology and embryology classes. Students
selected their preferred options independently and anonymously, ensuring
unbiased responses. Before distribution, approval was obtained from The
Department of Anatomy, and students.