Knowledge gain
Knowledge gain was indicated in participants ’ responses to many of the questions . They reported that they were able to perceive details pertaining to the observed bone ’ s spatial properties , surface landmarks , 3D form , and shape . Moreover , they believed that learning the humerus through the HVOD method has influenced their memory of it .
“ I can picture the shape and outline , and the 3D structure , and a few landmarks .”
“ I found that the olecranon fossa on the humerus is still very much clear in my mind , as well as the head of the humerus .”
“ It cemented the contours , spatial bony projections etc .”
“ The sense of touch creates another sort of memory of that structure rather than just by looking at it .”
Concept formation
Indicators of concept formation were observed in participants ’ responses . Dominating these was their ability to construct a mental image that , in many instances , was referred to as rotatable . To a lesser extent , the HVOD method helped some students gain an understanding of function and anatomical relations .
“ I can easily rotate it in my mind in any plane .”
“ This forced the student to build the image on their own in order to understand it .”
However , a few students believe this effect was brought about by the lengthy observation of the humerus .
“ This could be due to the fact we spent 3 hours studying one bone whereas studying a specimen there is a lot more to process all at once ”
Facilitators of learning
Several factors to learning through the HVOD method were identified in the responses . Among these were learning by touch , observation for the purpose of accurate drawing , multi-angular viewing of the observed object , and focused attention and awareness .
“ Focusing your attention on structures and feeling them with your eyes open and closed , and kind of just getting to know them a lot more intimately . I was able to see and memorise a lot more of it this time .”
“ The drawing made you look at the object in front of your more closely because you knew you would have to draw a representation of it .”
“ I feel that the HVOD workshop has made me more aware and observant . I never realised that there was so many different grooves and textures on both a hammer and the humerus .”
Difficulties
Responses occasionally showed a negative perception towards the HVOD method . Many of the benefits reported were contrasted by negative responses , such as the minimal educational value , unsuitability to much of the anatomy content , and impracticability due to time constraints .
“ I do feel like my understanding of the humerus has improved , but I think that ' s due to the fact that we looked at it for three hours , not because of the method .”
“ I think this method would work best for osteological structures rather than soft tissues ”
“ Although I knew the humerus ' s every aspect , I now know it better . However in real world we do not have time to do the same as the HVOD instructor during our sessions .”
“ However , I don ' t think this change is due to using the method , but to the fact that I got the chance to look at the humerus at home for 3 hours , which we usually cannot do .”