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1 . 2017

Self-directed learning modules of CT scan images to improve students’ perception of gross anatomy

Abstract

Background. A contemporary anatomy cur­riculum that aims to be clinically relevant requires medical students to be introduced to radiological anatomy in the preclinical years. Ideally, the curriculum should also support self-directed learning, a habit best instilled early. Based on these educational requirements, we designed an interest­ing and clinically-meaningful program of self-learning modules in radiological anat­omy to augment students' learning of gross anatomy. The program is guided by cur­rent theories of learning, which emphasize an individualized learning pace for students.

Methods. This program uses enlarged com­puterized tomography (CT) scan images and associated resource materials. Scans are posted on the first day of the week in a public area for students to review on their own time. On the second day penciled out­lines of important structures are provided to help students identify structures, and students are encouraged to discuss the im­ages with faculty. On the last day of the week the identity of the structures are revealed to students.

Results. An open-ended questionnaire used to evaluate the program revealed that 95.5% of students used the program and a great majority recommended the program should be continued for future students.

Discussion. The present program enhances learning of gross anatomical relations through having students use visual clues in logically interpreting unlabeled CT scans in an orga­nized and sequential way. The program pro­motes self-directed learning. In addition to its use with preclinical students, the modules might also help students in the clinical phase of the curriculum bolster their knowledge of spatial anatomy.

Keywords:• CT images • self-directed learning • gross anatomy

Meditsinskoe obrazovanie i professional’noe razvitie [Medical Education and Professional Development]. 2017; (1): 50–8.

All articles in our journal are distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0 license)

CHIEF EDITOR
CHIEF EDITOR
Balkizov Zalim Zamirovich
Secretary General of the Russian Society of Medical Education Specialists, Director of the Institute of Training of Medical Education Specialists of the Russian Medical Academy of Continuing Professional Education, 125993, Moscow, Russian Federation, Professor of the Department of Vocational Education and Educational Technologies of the N.I. Pirogov RNIMU of the MOH of Russia, CEO of GEOTAR-Med, Advisor President of the National Medical Chamber, Moscow, Russian Federation

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