Checklist-based active learning in anatomy demonstration sessions during the COVID-19 pandemic: Perception of medical students

Human anatomy is an essential component of the medical curricula. Anatomy education has been significantly affected during the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this study was to explore student's perceptions on a blended learning approach using Checklist-based Active Learning in Anatomy Demonstration Sessions (CALADS) as a method in comparison to the two previously used methods; namely face-to-face Structured Problem-Related Anatomy Demonstrations (SPRAD) and online anatomy learning. A comparative, cross-sectional, survey-based study was conducted. The survey was composed of 13 questions that explored preference of learning anatomy in demonstration sessions of 4th year pre-clerkship students who have had their anatomy learning through face-to-face SPRAD in year 2 (before the COVID-19 pandemic), online in year 3 (during the COVID-19 pandemic), and CALADS method in year 4. Descriptive statistics were used, and the level of significance was set at P0.05. The survey exhibited high internal consistency (Cronbach's α=0.953). Validity of the survey was established through exploratory factor analysis. The preferred method for more than half of the students was the CALADS method. Face-to-face SPRAD came next and lastly came the online method. However, more students preferred the online method in comparison to face-to-face method for "learning radiological anatomy". There were no statistically significant differences between male and female students regarding any of the survey questions. CALADS method, as a hybrid, student-centered, interactive learning method of learning practical anatomy, was preferred by pre-clerkship students as a more effective method in understanding anatomy than face-to-face and online learning methods.