Hands-on human anatomy workshop for Biology school teachers

Basic knowledge of human anatomy and exposure to its various components is helpful for school teachers dealing with subjects such as biology. The workshop aimed to provide a general idea about the structural organization of the human body and to help clarify the fundamental concepts and seek feedback regarding the usefulness of the program. The biology teachers of high school and pre-university in and around the medical college were identified. A needs assessment was carried to record the participants’ expectations from the workshop. During the workshop, the participants were familiarized with the primary structural organization of the human body with hands-on exposure to anatomical (cadaveric) specimens. The usefulness of the workshop was assessed using a post-session questionnaire. Fifty-two school teachers (49 females and 3 males) participated in the workshop. Based on needs assessment, one-day workshop included lectures and hands-on demonstration sessions on various organ systems of Human Anatomy, such as musculoskeletal, nervous, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, renal, reproductive, and endocrine systems. Post-session feedback revealed that the "hands-on" exposure provided followed by discussion was adequate. The participants stated that they could apply this knowledge at work. Open-ended responses on the usefulness of the workshops identified the following themes: ‘Hands-on learning,’ ‘Good organisation,’ ‘Theoretical orientation with practical backing,’ ‘interactive and interesting’ and ‘concepts clarified.’ Hands-on learning in Anatomy aids in professional development and instructional improvement.