title: Student perceptions of independent versus facilitated small group learning approaches to compressed medical anatomy education.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to compare student perceptions regarding two, small group learning approaches to compressed (46.5 prosection-based laboratory hours), integrated anatomy education at the University of Ottawa medical program. In the facilitated active learning (FAL) approach, tutors engage students and are expected to enable and balance both active learning and progression through laboratory objectives. In contrast, the emphasized independent learning (EIL) approach stresses elements from the "flipped classroom" educational model: prelaboratory preparation, independent laboratory learning, and limited tutor involvement. Quantitative (Likert-style questions) and qualitative data (independent thematic analysis of open-ended commentary) from a survey of students who had completed the preclerkship curriculum identified strengths from the EIL (promoting student collaboration and communication) and FAL (successful progression through objectives) approaches. However, EIL led to student frustration related to a lack of direction and impaired completion of objectives, whereas active learning opportunities in FAL were highly variable and dependent on tutor teaching style. A "hidden curriculum" was also identified, where students (particularly EIL and clerkship students) commonly compared their compressed anatomy education or their anatomy learning environment with other approaches. Finally, while both groups highly regarded the efficiency of prosection-based learning and expressed value for cadaveric-based learning, student commentary noted that the lack of grade value dedicated to anatomy assessment limited student accountability. This study revealed critical insights into small group learning in compressed anatomy education, including the need to balance student active learning opportunities with appropriate direction and feedback (including assessment).
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: Alexander
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Whelan
authors.affiliation: Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada.
authors.forename: John J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Leddy
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: Sean
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Mindra
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: J D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Matthew Hughes
authors.affiliation: Department of Innovation in Medical Education, Division of Clinical and Functional Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: Safaa
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: El-Bialy
authors.affiliation: Department of Innovation in Medical Education, Division of Clinical and Functional Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: Christopher J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Ramnanan
mesh_terms: D000715:Anatomy / Q000193:education*; D004501:Education, Medical / Q000379:methods*; D006126:Group Processes; D006801:Humans; D007858:Learning
keywords: modern anatomical education; prosection-based laboratory; team-based learning; undergraduate medical education;  gross anatomy education