Student Perspectives on the Use of Alternative Methods for Teaching in Veterinary Faculties

Abstract

The use of alternative methods for teaching purposes is gradually increasing in higher education. In order to evaluate the usefulness of non-animal based practical classes in veterinary science, and to inform on possible benefits and limitations of these teaching tools, a questionnaire was designed and distributed to students. Although there was no complete agreement among the student responses, it was apparent that the majority of the students would like traditional training methods to be paired with alternative approaches, and expressed their desire to be exposed to as many humane modes of learning as possible. In addition, the students agreed that alternative teaching methods for training in veterinary science can reinforce existing knowledge that is required at the clinical stage, and that they can be effective supplements to traditional training methods. It was also concluded from the study that the use of new alternative approaches is very much appreciated by the students, whereas the validity and effectiveness of these methods are debatable, suggesting that further optimisation, proper application and evaluation of these alternative methods is required.

Conscientious Objection to Animal Testing: A Preliminary Survey Among Italian Medical and Veterinary Students

“…22 Academic courses on alternatives to animal experimentation could constitute a good starting point for educational campaigns on the Three Rs concept and the recognition of its importance. [23][24][25][26] Indeed, the literature reveals that students are often the main advocates of alternative teaching practices that do not employ animals. 27 When students are provided with little, if any, information on COAE, their critical assessment and views on the use of animals for education and research purposes may be derived from personal experience and/or research that they have carried out on the subject.…”

“…22 Academic courses on alternatives to animal experimentation could constitute a good starting point for educational campaigns on the Three Rs concept and the recognition of its importance. 23 –26 Indeed, the literature reveals that students are often the main advocates of alternative teaching practices that do not employ animals. 27…”

Conscientious Objection to Animal Experimentation in Italian Universities

“…Respect of these principles plays an important role in raising personal awareness amongst students on ethical issues [11,12,13,14,15,16,17]. As seen in the literature [18], students who are encouraged to contemplate ethical issues can actively contribute to the development of rules that respect different ethical points of view.…”

Bulário informativo como ferramenta de ensino e aprendizagem na disciplina de farmacologia veterinária

“…À vista disso, no Brasil, em 2018 uma resolução normativa foi implantada para evidenciar que novas ferramentas didáticas devem ser utilizadas a fim de reduzir o uso de animais em atividades de ensino (BRASIL, 2018). Apesar da validade e eficácia desses métodos serem discutíveis, é possível identificar que metodologias alternativas mostram-se muito apreciadas pelos alunos (SACHANA, 2014), dessa forma, constituindo uma ferramenta de grande valia no processo de ensino e aprendizagem.…”

“…A aplicação apropriada e avaliação desses métodos alternativos são necessárias (SACHANA, 2014), tendo em vista que devem ser explorados adequadamente a fim de promoverem melhorias na formação acadêmica e não prejuízos (LIMA, 2018). No entanto, além de possibilitarem a redução no uso de animais (WOOD, 2005) e apresentarem boa aceitação por acadêmicos do curso de medicina veterinária de outros países (SACHANA, 2014), acredita-se que possam servir como práticas constitutivas na produção do saber e servirem de estímulo aos discentes, visando a redução da retenção e evasão nos cursos de graduação.…”