Abstract
Considering the technological evolution, using modern and alternative approaches like simulation based computer tecnologies or plastic anatomical models in teaching veterinary medicine is become widespread. But these alternative approaches are not enough to indicate the realistic details or possible variations on the living being. This study evaluated the effect of using real skeleton models on the students’ learning motivation.In this study, real skeleton models produced by Mehmet Akif Ersoy University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Anatomy Department were used at Anatomy I courses. To measure expectations of the students, Likert-type attitude scale of 32 questions were developed. The Rubrics for attitude scale’s sub-groups were allocated as “motivation", "learning-understanding", and "using the information in the future”. The Attitude scale was applied to the students who were studying in 2014-2015 and 2015-2016 academic period. The data was analyzed using SPSS 13.0 (Statistical Package for Social Sciences), which included arithmetic mean, standard deviation and independent groups t- test.The “motivation” scale had 11 questions and the average score was 4,32. The “learning- understanding” scale had 16 questions and the average score was 4.47. The findings in the “motivation” and “learning-understanding” scale showed that students preferred and found useful the use of real skeleton models in their learning. The “using information in the future” scale had 5 questions. Its data produced an average of 4,26. The findings of the “Using the information in the future” showed that the students learned better and retained the information longer when real skeleton models were used as a tool in their trainings.In conclusion, plastic anatomical models and computer based simulations could be an alternative educational tools along with the traditional approaches like real skeleton models. However, the use of plastic anatomical models or computer based simulations as an educational tool would not be as effective if it used alone due to lack of variations and details. Fort this reason modern approaches should use with traditional tools on anatomy education.