Teaching Anatomy
How can I make teaching anatomy interesting, since I can't break every 15 min. How can I get class participation?
Hi Andrew,
I would go for 15-20 minutes which is the average attention span for adults and then do something different to give them a concentration break. You can have a Q&A session, put them into small groups for some problem solving, have them do a case study, etc.. Then pull them back together for some more course content. By varying the pace and delivery you are letting them soak up what you are sharing as well as applying it when they do case studies.
Gary
This is my first term teaching, and I feel that I lecture too much. Classes meet twice a week and are about 2 hours long with one 10 min break. I usually only give 1 activity for each 2 hour class period and lecture the rest of the time.
Sometimes, to give their brains a break I talk about relevant personal experiences that I've had with the topic that we are talking about. For example, when talking about the eye, I told them the story of when I had LASIK surgery.
Is there any other things that I could do to make my students really enjoy the time that they spend in my class?
Hi Elizabeth,
Stories from the field always peak the interest of students. They like to hear about things they will encounter when they are out working. Also, these stories can serve as motivators because the students can see themselves in the stores you share with them.
Gary
I know it's not much, but I try to tell my students stories about my past experiences with different patients I've taken care of, and put some humor into it. They usually remember the stories I tell, and how it relates to the system I'm doing instruction on.
Hi Corin,
Great teaching strategies. This really gets the student excited I am sure. They see examples of how muscles function through the demonstrations.
I can only imagine how excited the students got when they viewed the Bodyworlds exhibit. The exhibit is coming to our area later this fall and I am already excited about seeing it and medicine isn't even my field. Thanks for sharing with us.
Gary
I, too, teach anatomy, and I can definitely see times when my students start to go glassy-eyed from the wealth of information being given to them. Our school is broken into modular systems, so that does make it easier to have the students only focusing on one system at a time makes it a little less overwhelming. If you don't have that option, I might suggest just trying to change up your delivery style every now and again. Do lecture for 15-20 minutes, then maybe show a video or use some sort of media to reiterate the material or present a new concept, followed by class discussion/group work.
I have been teaching A&P for over three years. Since it's a modular program, I constantly struggle with getting my class excited about anatomy. One method I love is using rubber bands to demonstrate the origin, insertion and action of skeletal muscles. I have the students partner and demonstrate the muscle's actions to me. Also, I took my class on a trip to the Bodyworlds exhibit. I know they travel across the U.S., so you can see if the exhibit is in your area. My students loved it!
You could try in-class group projects such as having groups of students review specific portions of what you have just gone over and then having them teach the class. Also, you might try having them color pictures of the anatomy so they could really see where all of the structures are.
Hi Amani,
Try another approach. Develop a game and have a competition for the students. This way it won't be just straight recall but application in a game setting.
Gary
I got it Gary, do you think it is a good idea to go over a diagram of anatomy right after I went over the system. I got some students complaining that it was so soon for them to test their memory after the lecture.
During my Anatomy lectures I tend to move from the verbal, to the physical, to the audio and back again. I agree that you dont have to let the students physicaly leave, but to change there mind set.
Hi Amani,
When we talk about breaking at around the 15-20 minute mark it doesn't mean the students have to take it break from the class. In your planning try to come up with activities that will engage the students after about 15-20 of lecture. This lets their brains shift gears a little bit before you move forward with more content. You can do a drill with them, play a memory game over terms, have them work in teams on a problem or case study, anything that changes the pace of the class for a little bit.
By doing this you will be reinforcing what you have just covered and it will enhance the memories of your students.
Hope these suggestions are of help. If you have further questions or want to discuss strategies more please let me know.
Gary
