| Abstract | Knowledge gained in the Veterinary Neuroanatomy course lectures and labs is applied by exploring neurological case studies at several points during the semester. Student's working knowledge of neuroanatomy has traditionally been assessed through individual oral exams. This style of examination is effective at pushing students to learn at a deeper level and relevant in the way that this knowledge will be applied in clinical practice. However, since students are interviewed individually, this is very time-consuming test format. Thus, we developed a new assessment approach for case studies that continues to test clinical competency and problem-solving skills, while being easier to administer. This format features small student groups (~5) that analyze a novel case with the goal of localizing a lesion in the nervous system. Students are provided with minimal information about the case at the start of the session and proceed systematically through a series of well-defined steps culminating in a final report stating their hypothesis and its rationale. Our hypothesis is that the new testing format will be as effective a learning tool as the oral format and equally useful for gauging student understanding and preparedness. |
