Improving student learning and performance through a continuous flipped anatomy teaching model

Abstract

The flipped classroom teaching model has been widely used in anatomy education to embrace a blended learning strategy. However, the impact that a continuous flipped classroom teaching model exerts on student learning of human topographic anatomy remains unclear. To address this question, student learning experience and performance were compared between third‐year undergraduate students who participated in a continuous flipped anatomy classroom teaching since their first year (n = 65, experimental group) and those under the flipped anatomy teaching model only in their third year (n = 45, control group). A five‐point Likert scale learning and teaching survey was conducted to evaluate students' perceptions of the flipped classroom model. Students under a continuous flipped classroom teaching model rated significantly higher on the impact of the flipped model on learning difficult anatomy concepts than the control group (*p = 0.0346). The rating on independent learning remained not statistically different between the two groups, although a trend difference was detected (p = 0.0604). Analysis of learning performance revealed that the experimental group significantly outperformed the control group when answering questions focusing on regional anatomy (*p = 0.0207). No significant difference was identified in students' marks of case‐based studies between the two groups. In summary, the results of this study indicate that the flipped classroom model implemented over a long term continues to advance students' learning experience and performance in anatomy, indicating a “dose” effect on active learning. The findings of this study will assist the best practices of the flipped anatomy classroom and develop evidence‐informed approaches to advance anatomy education in the future.