Introduction and evaluation of a modular seminar system in gross anatomy teaching at the Hannover Medical School

We present a new modular seminar system which has been introduced into the gross anatomy teaching at the Hannover Medical School. It consists of seven modules with a clinical emphasis. The new modular seminar system was evalu ated by an anonymous questionnaire. The results showed that the seminar sys tem as a whole, and the different modules with one exception were highly ap preciated by the students. The evaluation also revealed that the main reaso n for the success of a module is the manner of the teaching and learning ra ther than the clinical relevance. Taking into account the results of this e valuation we describe the appropriate style of teaching for use in a semina r. The success of this new approach to small group instruction in Germany shou ld encourage other teachers of anatomy and other undergraduate subjects to consider new methods of teaching.