The Efficacy of Interdisciplinary Near-Peer Teaching Within Neuroanatomical Education-Preliminary Observations

Creating evidence-based engaging online learning resources in neuroanatomy

Online anatomical resources are rising in popularity since the COVID-19 pandemic, but the pedagogical principles and effectiveness of their use remain unclear. This article aims to demonstrate evidence-informed ways in which fellow educators can create engaging online learning resources in clinical neuroanatomy and compare the effectiveness of text-based and online learning resources. Data were analyzed from the Soton Brain Hub (SBH) YouTube page. Separately, a cross-sectional study comparing the learning gain of using text-based and video resources was done. The knowledge gain and retention were compared between groups using a pre-teaching and post-teaching multiple choice questions. YouTube analytics showed the average time a viewer spends on a video was found to be highly correlated to the length of the video, r = 0.77, p < 0.001 (0.69-0.82). The cross-sectional study indicated a significant difference in mean normalized learning gain of video resources 61.9% (n = 53, CI 56.0-67.7%) versus text resources 49.6% (n = 23, CI 39.1-60.1%) (p = 0.030). However, there was no difference in retained learning gain between video resources 39.1% (n = 29, CI 29.2-49.0%) versus text-based 40.0% (n = 13, CI 23.9-56.1%) (p = 0.919). Students engage most with short videos less than 5 min which reduces the intrinsic load of learning. Online resources are as effective as text-based resources in providing learning gain and retention. In the future, the continued rise in popularity of online learning resources may result in further reduction in traditional face-to-face teaching.

Enhancing neuro-ophthalmic surgical education: The role of neuroanatomy and 3D digital technologies - An overview

Background

Neuro-ophthalmology, bridging neurology and ophthalmology, highlights the nervous system's crucial role in vision, encompassing afferent and efferent pathways. The evolution of this field has emphasized the importance of neuroanatomy for precise surgical interventions, presenting educational challenges in blending complex anatomical knowledge with surgical skills. This review examines the interplay between neuroanatomy and surgical practices in neuro-ophthalmology, aiming to identify educational gaps and suggest improvements.

Methods

A literature search across databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science was conducted, focusing on the implications of neuroanatomy in neuro-ophthalmic surgery education and practice. The review synthesizes insights from both recent and foundational studies to highlight current understandings and future research directions, particularly in educational approaches.

Results

Findings indicate that 3D digital modeling and virtual reality have significantly enhanced neuroophthalmic surgical education by providing immersive and engaging learning experiences. For instance, detailed 3D brain atlases offer comprehensive resources for understanding the central nervous system's normal and pathological states. Although studies show that 3D and traditional 2D methods achieve similar post-test results, 3D methods notably improve engagement and motivation, suggesting a shift toward more interactive learning environments.

Conclusion

Integrating both traditional and innovative educational tools is crucial for the progression of neuro-ophthalmic surgical training. This balance helps overcome educational hurdles and better prepare future surgeons. Continuous research and collaboration are essential to refine educational strategies, ultimately aiming to enhance patient care in neuro-ophthalmology.

Exploring the Application of Peer-Assisted Learning in Practical Neuroanatomy Classes: A Cohort Comparison Within a Medical Curriculum

Despite well-documented benefits, the effectiveness of some aspects of near-peer (NP) teaching in medical education within anatomy curricula remains unclear. Here, we explored the impact of various permutations of staff/student laboratory-based co-teaching in neuroanatomy by determining the optimal staff and student teaching combination. We assessed student perceptions and knowledge acquisition using three different co-teaching strategies. Second-year medical students at the University of Southampton were co-taught neuroanatomy by faculty staff and third-year medical students (NP teachers). Three cohorts, 2016/2017, 2017/2018, and 2018/2019, were included in the study. Subsequent cohorts experienced increasingly structured NP teaching with more NP teachers. Students completed evaluations for anatomy sessions, which were statistically compared. The 2017/2018 and 2018/2019 cohorts completed lunchtime quizzes matched to the learning outcomes of each practical session, which were analysed. A focus group involving six students was transcribed and thematically analysed. Anatomy practical ratings were significantly higher when both session structure and NP teacher numbers increased from 3 to 5-6 (p = 0.0010) and from 3 to 7-8 (p = 0.0020). There were no significant differences in anatomy practical ratings using 5-6 and 7-8 NP teachers (p > 0.9999). There were no significant differences between the knowledge scores of students who experienced 5-6 and 7-8 NP teachers. Themes detailing the benefits of NP teaching and the importance of faculty involvement were identified, demonstrating that students appreciated NP teaching within a co-teaching environment. Therefore, increased NP teaching may augment students' perceptions and knowledge acquisition. In this context, the optimal number of NP teachers may sit between 5 and 8.

Near-Peer Teaching in Conjunction with Flipped Classroom to Teach First-Year Medical Students Basic Surgical Skills

BACKGROUND

There is increasing evidence that students are completing medical school with insufficient surgical education. Near-peer tutoring and flipped classroom formatting may be used to enhance learning while simultaneously relieving faculty burden of teaching. Here, we qualitatively evaluate a 3-month course that integrates the use of near-peer teaching and flipped classroom formatting, with the goal of increasing first-year medical students' self-perceived confidence in performing basic sutures and knot-ties as well as interest in surgery.

METHODS

Twenty-one first-year medical students participated in a suturing and knot-tying course led by senior medical students. The course consisted of 2-h sessions held every 2 weeks for a total of five sessions. Students were sent publicly available videos prior to each session by which to learn the upcoming techniques and received live feedback from instructors during sessions. Questionnaires were completed pre-course and post-course.

RESULTS

Compared to pre-course ratings, post-course ratings of self-perceived confidence to perform various knot-ties and sutures all increased significantly (p < 0.05). All students stated that the course strengthened their desire to pursue a career in surgery. Student feedback of the course was overall positive.

CONCLUSIONS

Near-peer teaching can be used in conjunction with flipped classroom to increase first-year medical students' self-perceived confidence in surgical suturing and knot-tying as well as interest in surgery. This curriculum may serve as an outline for student-led courses at other institutions.