INTEGRATION OF THE ART INTO THE STUDY OF ANATOMY: THE EXPERIENCE OF THE PEDAGOGICAL INITIATIVE OF THE COMPETITION «IMAGO ANATOMICA»

Abstract

Introduction. Modern medical education requires innovative approaches to teaching basic disciplines, including anatomy. It is especially important to create a favourable emotional environment for learning during wartime, stress and social instability. Since 2016, teachers at the Department of Morphology of the Academic and Research Medical Institute of Sumy State University (ARMI SSU) have introduced a creative anatomical competition «Imago Anatomica», which combines the study of anatomy with art. Participants of the competition create individual or group works in the form of sculpture, embroidery or drawing, embodying anatomical structures through the creative awareness.

Methods. The study used methods of pedagogical observation, qualitative analysis of competition works, and questionnaires of participating students.

Results. Participation in the competition contributed to better mastering of complex anatomical topics due to active learning, increased interest in the subject, and improved learning skills. Constant interaction of students with the tutor ensured accuracy in the depiction of anatomical material and its detailed processing.

The creative approach and the opportunity for self-expression encouraged students to the learning process, supported their motivation and activity. The interaction between students was also improved, which contributed to the effective involvement of foreign participants in the learning environment.

Conclusions. The «Imago Anatomica» competition became a convincing example of the effective integration of art into the process of studying anatomy. This contributed not only to better learning, but also to the development of analytical thinking, a creative approach and learning motivation.

In the conditions of a full-scale war, the competition acquired special significance, as it created a favorable educational environment. Such an initiative helped students to remain involved in the educational process, to maintain active interaction with classmates and teachers. Thanks to this, the participants were able not only to improve communication, but also to effectively integrate foreign students into the educational environment.