Study preferences in anatomy education: a descriptive study including preliminary results*

Authors : Ekremcan KARAER, Çağatay BARUT

Pages : 99-103

View : 26 | Download : 12

Publication Date : 2017-08-20

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Objectives: In anatomical education, there is a lack of consensus about the best or most efficient method used. Additionally, the learning style of students varies, and information related with the medical students’ preferences for learning anatomy is rather limited. Thus, this article aimed to identify the study preferences of medical students in Turkey. Methods: Ninety-seven medical students aged between 19–26 years participated in the study. Participants were asked 16 questions related with the education system and study preferences of anatomy. Nine of the questions were related with the education system of their school in general and in terms of anatomy and seven of the questions were related with their way of studying anatomy, including time spent for studying, preference for a group or individual study, study materials and methods. Results: 88.6% of the respondents indicated that integrated medical education was the education system used in their schools. Systematic anatomy was the main method insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(93.8%); chosen for anatomy. Plastic models were the most frequent preference for lab studies insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(90.7%); followed by prosections insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(58.8%);, specimens insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(30.9%); and cadaver dissections insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(21.6%);. Majority of the respondents preferred studying anatomy alone insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(86.6%);. Furthermore, students stated their preference of study methods as one or more at the same time, and the distribution of these methods were as follows: correlation of structures with relations insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(53.6%);, functions insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(52.6%);, clinical situations insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(30.9%);, memorizing with mnemonics insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(53.6%); or tables and lists insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(45.4%);, flash cards insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(7.2%);, and regular repetitions insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(40.2%);. Conclusion: Study preferences may lead changes in anatomy curricula in the future.
Keywords : anatomy, dissection preference, study

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