Applying problem-based learning to the teaching of anatomy: the example of Harvard Medical School

Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy : SRA
René Yiou, Daniel Goodenough

Abstract

The introduction of problem-based learning techniques into the teaching of anatomy has been subject to great controversies. This paper debates the rationale behind this concept using the example of the curriculum of Harvard Medical School in which problem-based learning techniques have been used during the past 20 years. The anatomy curriculum is covered during the eight first weeks of the medical studies, and is an original combination of discussions of clinical cases in small groups, and work in gross anatomy, histology and radiology laboratories. The lectures are reduced to the minimum and emphasize general concepts. In this setting, the learning of anatomy is mostly led by students who have prepared for the different laboratory sessions and tutorials. The implementation of problem-based learning to the teaching of anatomy requires a close follow-up of each student with regular feedbacks on his work. Tutorials must be considered as a cornerstone between lectures and work in laboratories. Traditional aspects of the teaching of anatomy, such as work in dissection laboratories, are given an important role as they are aimed to clear-up misunderstood points. Further studies are required to compare at the long term the level of me...Continue Reading

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Citations

Aug 25, 2015·Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy : SRA·Bruno GrignonFrédéric Walter
Jun 11, 2015·Anatomical Sciences Education·Denis S BarryGerard W O'Keeffe
Nov 6, 2009·Anatomical Sciences Education·Richard L DrakeWojciech Pawlina
Dec 7, 2011·Anatomical Sciences Education·Seok Hoon KangYoung-Il Hwang
Feb 13, 2013·Anatomical Sciences Education·Hila MayIsrael Hershkovitz
Nov 28, 2012·Anatomical Sciences Education·Bjoern Sander, Mariola Monika Golas
Mar 15, 2011·Anatomical Sciences Education·Marc VorstenboschRoland Laan
Aug 30, 2012·Anatomical Sciences Education·Ahmed YaqinuddinPaul Ganguly
Jun 19, 2013·Anatomical Sciences Education·Kate MartinIngrid Scholten
Mar 6, 2010·Anatomical Sciences Education·Kapil SugandAshish Khurana
Aug 19, 2014·Anatomical Sciences Education·William S BrooksCraig J Hoesley
Jul 23, 2008·Journal of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology : the Official Journal for the Society of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology, American Psychological Association, Division 53·Annie W SpellAudrey Baumeister
Mar 3, 2020·Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy : SRA·Timothée JacquessonPatrick Mertens
Apr 28, 2021·Clinical Anatomy : Official Journal of the American Association of Clinical Anatomists & the British Association of Clinical Anatomists·Mohammed K KhalilPriti L Mishall

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