Improving Undergraduate Students' Self-efficacy and Attitude by Art Work
Condition: Anatomy Education
Study type: Interventional

Summary: 
      This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Artworking learning approaches in improving
      undergraduate students' attitudes and self-efficacy about anatomy courses.
    

Detailed description: 
      Anatomy is one of the prominent and essential disciplines in healthcare and medical
      education, and study the shape and structure of the body, the systems and organs that make up
      the body, and the relationships between these systems and organs. In health care fields, it
      is necessary for students to have a strong foundation in this area. However, learning anatomy
      can be challenging and complicated due to the complexity of the concepts and terminologies
      involved; it plays a crucial role in preparing future healthcare providers. (Banovac et al.,
      2023). Healthcare students and medical professionals need to be adequately knowledgeable
      about anatomy and understand the functions and spatial context of organs before performing
      any invasive procedures on patients (Roxburgh & Evans, 2021). Studies have shown that
      students without basic anatomy knowledge and skills encounter serious difficulties in
      advanced classes (Ghosh, 2017).

      Traditional anatomy education is based predominantly on passive learning methods, such as
      lecture-based instruction, which may not effectively promote active student participation and
      knowledge retention (Ma et al., 2016). Nowadays, a revised teaching-learning approach known
      as active learning is implemented to ensure the curriculum remains relevant to the constantly
      connected and resource-rich world. It involves learners actively participating in the
      learning process through cooperative or hands-on tasks. Critical thinking and problem-solving
      skills are emphasized in this method and can improve student learning in numerous subjects
      (Bonatto-Costa et al., 2021). Students studying healthcare in the first year may experience
      challenges with the complexity and volume of anatomy subjects. However, many innovative
      learning tools, such as three-dimensional models, cadaver dissection, and artistic
      activities, such as drawing and body painting, have been conducted to enhance active learning
      and improve the quality of education in colleges (Rekhari & Sinnayah, 2018). Nurses and
      midwives rely heavily on anatomy knowledge to perform procedures such as injection sites,
      monitoring vital signs, administering first aid, and performing childbirth and episiotomies.
      A strong foundation in anatomy can facilitate professional development in these specialized
      areas and advanced nursing and midwifery education. Moreover, possessing a comprehensive
      understanding of anatomy can enhance students' self-esteem and confidence when practicing in
      clinical settings (Satoh et al., 2023).

      Attitude refers to a student's overall evaluation of the subject, and Studies show that
      healthcare students have positive attitudes about anatomy during their education period. It
      has been believed that along with Self-efficacy, students' perspectives and attitudes toward
      basic science subjects, such as anatomy, can significantly affect education outcomes
      (Plaisant et al., 2014).

      Studies show that possessing a positive attitude towards anatomy, coupled with self-efficacy,
      can significantly impact students' academic performance and professional development in
      nursing and midwifery. This underscores the importance of acquiring a strong foundation in
      anatomy and cultivating a positive perspective and belief in one's ability to succeed in the
      subject (Acar et al., 2017).

      Self-efficacy is the belief in one's capability to manage and take the actions needed to
      succeed in learning a subject (Woolcock et al., 2016). Self-efficacy has been a leading and
      also reliable predictor of university student progress for years and is significantly
      correlated with students' grade point averages and their motivation to learn
      (Bartimote-Aufflick et al., 2016). Academic self-efficacy determines how well students
      perceive their capacity to organize and carry out courses of action related to their studies
      (Tembo & Ngwira, 2016).

      This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Art working learning approaches in improving
      undergraduate students' attitudes and self-efficacy about anatomy courses.

      Method:

      This study was conducted on two groups of first-year nursing and midwifery students to
      compare the effectiveness of teaching anatomy using the active learning method of artwork
      versus anatomy atlases-based education. Questionnaires were distributed to both groups
      immediately after the first session of the anatomy course and 14 weeks later. The researcher
      responsible for distributing and collecting the questionnaires did not participate in
      teaching anatomy to the students. The students were asked to complete a self-report
      questionnaire that included information regarding their age, grade, sex, and field of study.
      In addition, both sets of students were also required to complete the Anatomy self-efficacy
      scale and Anatomy attitude scale.
    

Intervention name(s): alternative teaching methods
Intervention type(s): Other
Intervention description(s): This study aimed to explore the potential benefits of alternative teaching methods in anatomy education, as well as to investigate the effectiveness of traditional lecture-based education in comparison. By examining the outcomes of these different approaches, we hope to understand better how students can best learn and retain knowledge in this field.
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Single (Investigator)
Primary purpose: Basic Science
Keywords: Anatomy; Education; nursing; Active learning; Artwork; Self-efficacy; Attitude