title: 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.
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Biochemistry and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece.
authors.forename: Magda
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sachana
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Animal Production Economics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece.
authors.forename: Alexandros
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Theodoridis
authors.affiliation: Università degli Studi di Milano, Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety (VESPA), Milan, Italy.
authors.forename: Cristina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Cortinovis
authors.affiliation: Università degli Studi di Milano, Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety (VESPA), Milan, Italy.
authors.forename: Fabiola
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Pizzo
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Biochemistry and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece.
authors.forename: Evaggelos
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Kehagias
authors.affiliation: Università degli Studi di Milano, Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety (VESPA), Milan, Italy.
authors.forename: Marco
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Albonico
authors.affiliation: Università degli Studi di Milano, Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety (VESPA), Milan, Italy.
authors.forename: Francesca
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Caloni
mesh_terms: D023401:Animal Use Alternatives; D004520:Education, Veterinary; D005178:Faculty; D006801:Humans; D013334:Students; D013663:Teaching / Q000379:methods*