title: Multidimensional approach to teaching anatomy-Do gender and learning style matter?
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The aim of this study was to assess the impact of two teaching interventions (ultrasound and arthroscopy) in a peer teaching (PT) environment on anatomy examination scores and also to examine the influence of gender and learning style on these scores.
  
  
  METHODS
  We randomly assigned 484 second year medical students to one of three groups: musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSUS), arthroscopy (ASC) and control (CON). The MSUS- and the ASC-group attended two additional training sessions in ultrasound or arthroscopy; the CON-group received no additional lessons. Students were asked to complete Kolb's Learning Style Inventory test. We assessed differences in anatomical knowledge (multiple choice (MC) exam) and subjective evaluation with respect to gender and learning style.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There were no relevant differences between the three groups regarding the MC exam. Acceptance of the peer teaching concept was good. All students preferred ultrasound to arthroscopy and thought that they learned more from ultrasound despite the fact that they rated the instructors as less competent and needed more time to gain in-depth knowledge. There was no significant effect of gender on evaluation results. Arthroscopy was best enjoyed by accommodators according to Kolb's Inventory and least by divergers, who found that they had learned a lot through ultrasound. The improvement in spatial conceptualization was greatest for accommodators and worst for assimilators.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Gender and learning style had no impact on quantitative parameters. Qualitative analysis, however, revealed differences for learning style and further evaluation is warranted to assess the impact on medical education.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Trauma, University of Aachen, Pauwelstrasse 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany. Electronic address: ggradl-dietsch@posteo.de.
authors.forename: Gertraud
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Gradl-Dietsch
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Trauma, University of Aachen, Pauwelstrasse 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany.
authors.forename: Tabea
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Korden
authors.affiliation: Department of oral and maxillofacial surgery, University of Aachen, Pauwelstrasse 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany.
authors.forename: Ali
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Modabber
authors.affiliation: Department of oral and maxillofacial surgery, University of Aachen, Pauwelstrasse 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany.
authors.forename: Tolga Taha
authors.initials: TT
authors.lastname: Sönmez
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic Surgery, Hand and Burns Surgery, University of Aachen, Pauwelstrasse 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany.
authors.forename: Jan-Philipp
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Stromps
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Trauma, University of Aachen, Pauwelstrasse 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany.
authors.forename: Bergita
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Ganse
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Trauma, University of Aachen, Pauwelstrasse 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany.
authors.forename: Hans-Christoph
authors.initials: HC
authors.lastname: Pape
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Trauma, University of Aachen, Pauwelstrasse 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany.
authors.forename: Matthias
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Knobe
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000715:Anatomy / Q000193:education* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D001182:Arthroscopy / Q000193:education* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003479:Curriculum; D004210:Dissection / Q000193:education* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004504:Education, Medical, Undergraduate / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004521:Educational Measurement / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009985:Orthopedics / Q000193:education; D017678:Sex Distribution; D012737:Sex Factors; D013663:Teaching / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014463:Ultrasonography; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Dissection; Gender differences; Imaging techniques in anatomy; Learning style; Peer teaching