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Anatomical sciences education2018; 12(5); 529-540; doi: 10.1002/ase.1823

Anatomy Teaching, a “Model” Answer? Evaluating “Geoff”, a Painted Anatomical Horse, as a Tool for Enhancing Topographical Anatomy Learning.

Abstract: Development of new methods for anatomy teaching is increasingly important as we look to modernize and supplement traditional teaching methods. In this study, a life-sized equine model, "Geoff," was painted with surface and deep anatomical structures with the aim of improving students' ability to convert theoretical knowledge into improved topographical anatomy knowledge on the live horse. Third and fourth year veterinary medicine students (n = 45) were randomly allocated into experimental (used "Geoff") and control (used textbook) groups. The efficacy of the model was evaluated through a structured oral exam using a live horse. Questionnaires gathered information on student confidence and enjoyment of the task. There was no significant difference in the performance of experimental and control groups either immediately (44±20% vs. 40±21%; P = 0.504) or 9 weeks after the learning intervention (55±17% vs. 55±20%; P = 0.980). There were however specific questions on which the experimental group performed better than controls, and for which gender effects were apparent. The students using "Geoff" showed a transient gain in confidence following the session (Likert scale 2.7 to 3.6) however the initial increase was no longer present at the second test. There was a significant influence of gender on confidence with greater confidence gains in females in the Experimental group. The students found the model to be extremely useful and both groups found the sessions enjoyable. The model will be of benefit as a complementary learning tool for students.
© 2018 American Association of Anatomists.
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Publication Date: 2018-11-09 PubMed ID: 30412927DOI: 10.1002/ase.1823Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This research investigates the effectiveness of a painted, life-sized equine model named “Geoff” in improving the anatomical knowledge of veterinary medicine students. Although the use of “Geoff” didn’t significantly outperform traditional textbook methods, it was found to be useful in certain areas, to increase student confidence transiently, and to be particularly effective for female students.

Study Design and Methodology

  • The study involved third and fourth year veterinary medicine students, numbered at 45 and who were randomly arranged into two different groups.
  • The control group continued learning with traditional textbooks, while the experimental group were provided with “Geoff”, a life-sized painted horse model showcasing anatomical structures.
  • This was intended to test whether utilising the horse model had any significant impact on improving students’ understanding of topographical anatomy and their ability to apply their theoretical knowledge to a real, live horse.

Evaluation Methods and Findings

  • To evaluate the effectiveness of the learning tools, the researchers employed structured oral exams using a live horse and drafted questionnaires that centered on student confidence and enjoyment.
  • The results revealed no significant difference between the performance of the experimental group (those who used “Geoff”) and the control group.
  • However, there were specific questions where the experimental group performed better than the control group, suggesting the model could potentially provide some learning benefits.
  • In the experimental group, the students gained transiently in confidence following their session with “Geoff” though these initially surged confidence levels plateaued by the time the second test was administered.

Gender Effects and Student Perception

  • The study also unveiled a significant influence of gender on confidence gained from the learning activity. Female students in the experimental group were found to have greater confidence gains than their male counterparts.
  • The painted horse model was reported as an extremely useful tool by the majority of students involved in the study.
  • While student performance metrics did not significantly vary between groups, both reported that the sessions were enjoyable, suggesting the model as a valuable teaching tool in terms of student engagement.

Conclusions and Implications

  • While the painted horse model, “Geoff,” didn’t significantly improve academic performance, it still showed promise as a complementary learning tool that could engage students more actively in their learning process.
  • The fact that there were specific questions where the experimental group outperformed the control group shows potential areas where such a model can be particularly helpful.
  • The transient boost in confidence and the particular confidence gains seen in female students may also be worth further investigation.

Cite This Article

APA
Bietzk E, Weller R, Simons V, Channon SB. (2018). Anatomy Teaching, a “Model” Answer? Evaluating “Geoff”, a Painted Anatomical Horse, as a Tool for Enhancing Topographical Anatomy Learning. Anat Sci Educ, 12(5), 529-540. https://doi.org/10.1002/ase.1823

Publication

Anatomical sciences education
ISSN: 1935-9780
NlmUniqueID: 101392205
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 12
Issue: 5
Pages: 529-540

Researcher Affiliations

Bietzk, Edward
  • Department of Clinical Science and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, University of London, North Mymms, Hatfield, United Kingdom.
Weller, Renate
  • Department of Clinical Science and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, University of London, North Mymms, Hatfield, United Kingdom.
Simons, Victoria
  • Department of Clinical Science and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, University of London, North Mymms, Hatfield, United Kingdom.
Channon, Sarah B
  • Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, University of London, London, United Kingdom.

MeSH Terms

  • Anatomy, Regional / education
  • Animals
  • Curriculum
  • Education, Veterinary / methods
  • Educational Measurement / statistics & numerical data
  • Female
  • Horses / anatomy & histology
  • Humans
  • Learning
  • Male
  • Models, Anatomic
  • Paintings
  • Self Report / statistics & numerical data
  • Sex Factors
  • Students / psychology
  • Students / statistics & numerical data

Grant Funding

  • 281571 / Animal Care Trust

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Citations

This article has been cited 1 times.
  1. Chang Chan AY, Custers EJFM, van Leeuwen MS, Bleys RLAW, Ten Cate O. Does an Additional Online Anatomy Course Improve Performance of Medical Students on Gross Anatomy Examinations?. Med Sci Educ 2019 Sep;29(3):697-707.
    doi: 10.1007/s40670-019-00751-zpubmed: 34457534google scholar: lookup
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