Enhancing Neuroanatomy Learning Through Multimodal Experiences

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Abstract

We designed, implemented and evaluated a neuroanatomy learning experience using Multiple External Representations to gauge student’s “interlocking” between representations, and the impact on students' conceptual understanding. This design involved representational activities for students to learn about brain sectional and 3D anatomy: a first activity with a proxy model for brain sectional anatomy utilizing an apple and a second activity featuring 2D MRI brain slices and 3D reconstructed virtual models of relevant brain structures visualized in Slicer software. We implemented this design in a pilot study with five learners and documented their learning progress. Findings suggest improved student learning on brain sectional anatomy, including an enhanced understanding of how the plane and depth of the section influence the appearance of structures.

Authors

• Valeria Vendries, University of Miami

• Ji Shen, University of Miami