Abstract

Introduction: As anatomy subject is the basis of all surgical branches, its understanding in depth is of great value. Surgeons need to understand normal morphology of organs to understand the Pathology. Syllabus of Anatomy is vast and also volatile, to summarise large amounts of facts and train students for acquisition of skills, we believes that student learn by practice.

Aims and Objectives: To help students for development of concepts, to assess the student’s opinion about Self- Directed Learning (SDL) method and to evaluate retention of subject.

Method: The present study included 140 students of first year MBBS. Steps to conduct SDL were four. Orientation and planning, Brain storming session, Presentation and Written Assessments. Total 10 close ended feedback questionnaires were given after SDL intervention.

Results: It was observed that students enjoyed the new method of teaching and they felt that it could be helpful to perform better in university examination. At the same time student’s perception was assessed by using Pre and Post Multiple Choice Questions test (MCQ). All the students scored better in the post-test, hence making it evident as to how helpful this session had been, to clear the concepts.  Students wrote the answers to the point with well labelled diagram and presented the answers in a proper manner.

Conclusion: SDL definitely improved understanding of the subject. This method encourages students to actively participate leading to active learning with better retention, in additionthismethod helped students to develop communication skills.

Keywords: Self- Directed Learning, Medical Students, Innovative teaching method