Evaluation of small-group teaching in human gross anatomy in a Caribbean medical school.
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.
Chan
Lap Ki
LK
Department of Anatomy, St. Matthew's University, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands. lkchan@alumni.duke.edu
Ganguly
Pallab K
PK
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