Medical Student Anatomy Teaching Electives (ANAT 1680 and 1681)

Course Description

The purpose of this course is to introduce medical students (MS II, III, & IV) to the basic techniquesof teaching small groups in the gross laboratory. The motivation for this course is based on the premise that most clinicians serve as both clinician and teacher, whether teaching in the informal small groups of daily rounds, the more formal, structured small group setting of an academic environment, or teaching their patients. The students will develop and practice their teaching skills through weekly teaching in the gross anatomy laboratory. The students will present clinical correlations relevant to the dissection material as well as help guide the dissections and administer quizzes.

Educational Course Objectives:

  • To develop and practice teaching skills required to explain anatomy in a clear, logical manner.
  • To introduce students to teaching techniques which stimulate discussion and critical thinking skills.
  • To promote a cooperative and respectful interaction between medical students that underlies the professional medical team approach to patient care.

Course Credits: 3 credits/quarter (one lab per week; 30 contact hours/quarter); Grade: Pass/Fail

Pre-requisite:

  • Established proficiency in Medical Gross Anatomy1550as evidenced by passage of all exams and final course grades >85%.
  • Good Communication Skills (previous teaching experience helpful but not required)
  • Approval of Course Director (Dr. Sandra Inouye)

Max # in Course:12 medical students/Fall or Winter quarter.

Class Design:

The MS I students are divided into groups of approximately 4-5 students/table in the laboratory. There are 6 tables per section in the gross lab. The MS teaching assistants (MSTAs) will be responsible for teaching in one section for approximately 5 dissection laboratories, and then the MSTAs will rotate to a new section in the lab and repeat the process. Each MSTA will be under the supervision of the Anatomy faculty in the laboratory.

Course Requirements (Mandatory):

  • Attendance at a weekly TA meeting prior to the labs. The faculty and MSTAs will meet with Dr. Inouyeimmediately prior to the lab to review the current lab material and to learn the clinical correlations for the upcoming week.
  • The major role of the MSTA during the gross lab is to present clinical correlations and guide the students with their dissections.

Evaluation of Student Performance:

The course director and/or anatomy faculty members will monitor the performance of the MSTAs via the weekly meetings and provide formative assessment based on direct observation during the gross lab.