Perception of multimodal approach in teaching Anatomy among Kashmiri undergraduate medical students for better learning and effective teaching

Abstract

Introduction: Anatomy is a major subject that is usually considered to be toughest and presents itself as one of the most challenging subjects in medical education. Anatomical knowledge of students is greatly affected by effective teaching methods and engagement of multiple learning modalities has been shown to promote learning. This study aimed to evaluate the Perception of multimodal approach in teaching Anatomy among Kashmiri undergraduate medical students for better learning and effective teaching.Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 75 first MBBS students of SKIMS Medical College in the Department of Anatomy. Perception of the multimodal approach in teaching Anatomy was sought by a validated questionnaire. The completed questionnaires were returned by only 72 students and were interpreted after studying the filled questionnaires.Results: Majority of the students were of the opinion that Anatomy is the most difficult subject among pre-clinical subjects and most of them believed that it was essential to incorporate advancements in teaching Anatomy. 55.55 % were of the opinion that clinically oriented teaching will improve anatomy teaching. Respondent’s perceived significantly greater usefulness for Web based applications and incorporating imaging such as MRI, CT and Ultrasound in better understanding the subject.Conclusion: Teaching Anatomy can become interesting. Incorporation of conceptual learning by advanced virtual three dimensional aids are required along with traditional didactic lectures in providing a successful integrated approach of teaching and learning of basic sciences for better understanding of concepts.