Histology is a visually challenging subject for novice students studying reproduction. However, it is foundational to a thorough understanding of the cells and structures responsible for hormone production and reproductive function. Given its highly visual nature, the aim of this study was to trial a pedagogical approach which has been demonstrated to improve observation skills in classroom settings, including in medical programmes [1]. Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS) involves the close-viewing and discussion of art, and we hypothesised that the same visual and problem-solving skills involved in interpreting artwork could be applied to students’ exploration of digital histology images of female reproductive organs.
We embedded a VTS activity into histology practical classes (six 3h classes across 2 weeks; ~50-60 students/class) in a 3rd-year general endocrinology course (2021-2023). An experienced facilitator guided students through a 20-minute session exploring a never-before-seen artwork. We assessed the impact of VTS on students' observational skills, perceptions of histology, and practical report marks. Student descriptions of histology images viewed pre- and post-intervention were scored for observational richness and compared. Responses to open-ended, reflective questions about the activity were analysed by inductive thematic analysis [2]. Report marks were compared with those from a previous year. Analyses considered student demographics and potentially influential hobbies.
While there was no significant effect of VTS on scores for observational richness or practical report marks, >50% of students felt that VTS changed how they viewed histological images and improved their observational skills. Others clearly expressed their belief that art and histology were not interchangeable due to art being subjective and histology having ‘right’ answers, while ~15% of students had mixed views.
Findings from this study suggest that this “outside the box” approach can assist students to feel more prepared for the ambiguities and visual details inherent in the study of histological images.