Multidimensional approach to teaching anatomy-Do gender and learning style matter?

Background: The aim of this study was to assess the impact of two teaching interventions (ultrasound and arthroscopy) in a peer teaching (PT) environment on anatomy examination scores and also to examine the influence of gender and learning style on these scores.

Methods: We randomly assigned 484 second year medical students to one of three groups: musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSUS), arthroscopy (ASC) and control (CON). The MSUS- and the ASC-group attended two additional training sessions in ultrasound or arthroscopy; the CON-group received no additional lessons. Students were asked to complete Kolb's Learning Style Inventory test. We assessed differences in anatomical knowledge (multiple choice (MC) exam) and subjective evaluation with respect to gender and learning style.

Results: There were no relevant differences between the three groups regarding the MC exam. Acceptance of the peer teaching concept was good. All students preferred ultrasound to arthroscopy and thought that they learned more from ultrasound despite the fact that they rated the instructors as less competent and needed more time to gain in-depth knowledge. There was no significant effect of gender on evaluation results. Arthroscopy was best enjoyed by accommodators according to Kolb's Inventory and least by divergers, who found that they had learned a lot through ultrasound. The improvement in spatial conceptualization was greatest for accommodators and worst for assimilators.

Conclusion: Gender and learning style had no impact on quantitative parameters. Qualitative analysis, however, revealed differences for learning style and further evaluation is warranted to assess the impact on medical education.