Practical Anatomy as an Advance Organizer for Anatomy Lectures: Effectiveness in Learning Facilitation for Dental Students

Introduction: Several approaches are introduced to facilitate anatomy learning. One of them is to present practical course before the theoretical one. This study compared the effect of presentation of practical class before lecture on enhancement of learning among dental students of Babol University of Medical Sciences. Methods: Thirty eight students of first semester in school of dentistry of Babol University of Medical Sciences, whom were admitted in year 2009, were randomly divided into three groups to pass the course of Head and Neck anatomy. One group (N=13) received new method of education and 2 groups (N=13 & N=12) were taught using traditional method. Having the instruction finished the midterm examination was held for the three groups. After midterm examination, both groups were instructed using traditional method. Midterm examination scores achieved by experiment and control groups were compared. At the end of the semester, students of experiment group were given a questionnaire containing attitude questions in order to assess their attitude toward traditional and new method of education in comparison and considering their role in facilitating learning of anatomy. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and paired t test. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the mean of midterm scores achieved by experiment and control groups (P<0.05). Assessing students’ viewpoints toward the two educational approaches, showed that they believed presentation of practical course before the lecture leads to a better feeling (69.2%) about anatomy course, facilitates and deepens the understanding (92.3%), and results in more learning (84.6%) as well. Conclusion: Based on the results of current study, despite of no significant differences between mean scores of students taught via two different methods, students showed a better attitude toward the presentation of practical course before the lecture compared to traditional method. Therefore it may be suggested to present practical course for anatomy before the lecture.