Innovative Strategies for Teaching Anatomy and Physiology

I n today's high-tech educational climate, it is necessary for laboratory methods to evolve appropriately. It is no longer reasonable to perform labs simply because "that's the way its always been done." Students today are visual learners and members of a video generation. They want to learn, but the information must be presented in an exciting and interesting manner. Several years ago at Burlington County College, the challenging task of revamping the Anatomy and Physiology laboratory was undertaken. The analysis began by assessing the value of the current practices. This investigation examined both the costs and the effectiveness of those labs currently being performed. In the past, the Anatomy and Physiology laboratories centered around dissection of the fetal pig. These exercises were not always effective since the specimens were not fully developed and many important structures were difficult to demonstrate. Organ systems whose study seemed particularly frustrating on a pig dissection were the cardiovascular, nervous and muscular systems. It pointed out that perhaps a study of the structures in a fetal pig doesn't really belong in a human anatomy course. In addition, the dissection specimens were expensive, disposable items that were distasteful to many students. The next step in the analysis involved examining the available alternative teaching tools. This undertaking began by looking into laser disc technology. The appropriate equipment and a series of laser discs which target human anatomy were purchased. This series allows the students to view some events that they would not otherwise be able to see; for example,