Article Green Open Access 2021

A Unique Approach to Project-Based Learning (PjBL) in a Veterinary Anatomy Course

Medical Science Educator
Journal · Vol. 31 · Issue 2 · pp. 511-517
Abstract

Introduction: Project-based learning (PjBL) is a teaching methodology designed to engage students in solving real-world problems, acknowledging that students are active agents of their learning process. This methodology has historically been popular in architecture and industrial sciences; however, its use in teaching veterinary anatomy is scarcely published. Methods: Using information and communication technologies, the PjBL methodology was implemented in a first-year veterinary anatomy course. The methodology included teamwork and the selection of a routine object in the veterinary clinic at the beginning of the academic semester. The project’s goal was to analyze the object and associate it with both a domestic animal species and an anatomical region, along with making and presenting a video or a simulation model about the object. Results: More than 80% of students prefer active learning classes compared to traditional classes. In addition, 66% and 86% of students indicate that PjBL allowed them to improve their understanding of theoretical content for the first and second years of post-implementation, respectively. Students’ self-assessment indicates that more than 80% of the students (first and second year post-implementation) felt they were responsible for the execution of the project, able to conduct research, and able to develop autonomous learning skills. After 2 years of PjBL implementation, failure rates in the course decreased by 21%. Discussion: In general, PjBL results show that veterinary students prefer active learning activities that allow them to learn in a team-based learning process as well as to develop soft skills such as self-learning, responsibility, and teamwork. © 2021, International Association of Medical Science Educators.

Keywords

Author Keywords

Project-Based Learning Higher education Student retention Undergraduate medical education Anatomy education Veterinary anatomy

Index Keywords

Author Affiliations
School of Veterinary Medicine, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Santiago, RM, Chile
Universidad de O’Higgins, Rancagua, LI, Chile
and Development, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN, United States
School of Medicine, Universidad Andrés Bello, Santiago, RM, Chile
Funding & Acknowledgements
No funding information
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