Learning Approaches in Gross Anatomy among Physical Therapy Students: A Comparative Study

Anatomy is a foundation subject in the health professions curriculum. Learning human anatomy is an integral component of physical therapy education and professional practice. The physical therapy curriculum in the Philippines requires dissection of the human cadaver as the primary mode of instruction during laboratory sessions. With the advancement of technology, human anatomical models, and video presentations are now readily available for the students to use. However, consensus regarding the best learning approach to anatomy remains obscure, and the prerogative of availing all these resources in anatomy will impact on the school as well as on the students. This study aimed to compare the learning approaches in gross anatomy among physical therapy students. It utilized a comparative experimental method among 40 third year physical therapy students. Four (4) sets of 50 points labeling items administered immediately after every session serve as their post-tests. It is concluded that physical therapy students can learn knowledge in gross anatomy regardless of learning approach employed. Using textbook approach for independent study is comparable to the use of alternative learning approaches such as using cadaver dissection, video presentation, and anatomical model when students learn gross anatomy. Gaining knowledge in gross anatomy will be enhanced when textbook approach is combined with either video presentation or anatomical model approach. However, the use of human cadaver dissection does not compliment with textbook approach to enhance learning gross anatomy.

Keywords: learning approaches, gross anatomy, physical therapy, dissection, textbook approach, video presentation, anatomical model.