Learning by Drawing Can Improve Anatomical Knowledge of Medical Students

Learning by Drawing Can Improve Anatomical Knowledge of Medical Students 

What is this Research About?

Research indicates that drawing and three-dimensional (3D) modeling are two simple and cost-effective learning methods, especially in learning human anatomy. These learning approaches enhanced surgical outcomes, improved patient care, and increased residents’ confidence in their abilities. Previous studies also reported that employing an approach that helps students apply basic knowledge in different cases can lead to better clinical outcomes. The current study examined the comparative impact of drawing and clay modeling on learning spinal anatomy.  

What did the Researchers Do?

The researchers assigned first-year medical students to three groups: drawing, clay modeling, and 3D application (control group). Each group had 15 minutes to learn about the spinal anatomy using their group-specific learning modality. All groups used the 3D application as their reference. While the control group only used the 3D application, the drawing group utilized paper and pencil, and the clay group applied clay and styrofoam to complete their learning tasks. Subsequently, the researchers evaluated student learning through a test-retest approach. They included questions exceeding the students' academic level to evaluate their improvement in applying knowledge to other similar scenarios.   

What did the Researchers Find?

The researchers observed a significant increase (10.2%) in the average post-test scores of the drawing group compared to their pretest scores. In contrast, they found no significant differences in the pre and post-test scores of the other two groups. Additionally, the post-test results of the drawing group showed a significant improvement compared to the control group (15.9% difference). However, the post-test scores of the clay group and the control group did not show a statistically significant difference. These findings confirmed that learning by drawing is an effective method for learning about basic spinal anatomy and applying it in various contexts. 

→ How to Implement this Research in Your Classroom

Drawing improves students' comprehension of human anatomy in a simple and cost-effective manner. The simplicity of using a pencil and paper makes it a feasible approach for various educational settings. Research suggests that, compared to clay modeling and computerized 3D models, drawing enhances learning and increases ability to apply basic knowledge in practice. Instructors in medical and related fields can benefit from this teaching strategy by implementing the following steps to enhance students’ learning:  

  1. Requesting students to bring minimal drawing equipment to class.  

  1. Encouraging them to draw simple figures of the topic as the instructor teaches.  

→  Citation

Beach, I. R., D’Agostino, E. N., Thakrar, R., & Lunardini, D. J. (2023). Learning by drawing and modeling: Teaching modalities for spinal anatomy in medical students. Anatomical Sciences Education, 16(6), 1041–1045. https://doi.org/10.1002/ase.2313 

→  Keywords

  • Drawing
  • Learning
  • Modeling
  • Education

Creative Commons by logo This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Canada License

Snapshot Writer: Zeinab Jafari

Snapshot Publication Date: 2024

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