title: Evaluation of small-group teaching in human gross anatomy in a Caribbean medical school.
abstract: Although there are a number of medical schools in the Caribbean islands, very few reports have come out so far in the literature regarding the efficacy of small-group teaching in them. The introduction of small-group teaching in the gross anatomy laboratory one and a half years ago at St. Matthew's University (SMU) on Grand Cayman appears to have had a significant positive impact on the academic achievement of students in anatomy. This study surveyed the responses of the students to the small-group learning method in gross anatomy at SMU using a structured questionnaire. The results show that our students prefer this small-group learning method over a completely self-directed method in the gross anatomy lab because the study materials were carefully chosen and the study objectives were demonstrated by the resource person. However, teacher-centered teaching was deliberately avoided by fostering problem-solving skills in the anatomy lab sessions. Another aim of the small-group teaching at SMU was to develop the interpersonal and communication skills of the students, which are important in their later education and career.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anatomy, St. Matthew's University, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands. lkchan@alumni.duke.edu
authors.forename: Lap Ki
authors.initials: LK
authors.lastname: Chan
authors.forename: Pallab K
authors.initials: PK
authors.lastname: Ganguly
mesh_terms: D000715:Anatomy / Q000193:education* / Q000458:organization & administration; D032882:Comprehension; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D003479:Curriculum; D004504:Education, Medical, Undergraduate / Q000458:organization & administration; D004521:Educational Measurement; D006126:Group Processes; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D018794:Problem-Based Learning; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012577:Schools, Medical / Q000458:organization & administration; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014900:West Indies