MODERNISED APPROACHES TO PATHOLOGY TEACHING AT THE UNIVERSITY OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA IN A LARGE CLASS, SMALL GROUP LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

Introduction With increasing pressure on universities to teach larger classes, and with the recent trend to limit biomedical science teaching in medical schools, it has become necessary to find new and innovative methods to teach pathology. We addressed this with the development of state-of-the-art e-learning suites. Methods E-learning suites were developed to facilitate teaching large classes with students working in small groups. The suites comprise 29 collaborative learning desks, each accommodating six students, centred on computers with advanced multimedia technology. Teaching uses interactive, digital learning exercises to give students a practical diagnostic experience. Classes included interpretation of gross specimens, digitised morphology of histo-pathology and haematology specimens, immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, numerical data (chemistry and haematology), blood transfusion and genetics. Results Feedback from a class of 309 students was that this approach was more engaging, collaborative and interesting than traditional methods. Teachers observed faster acquisition of knowledge and greater comprehension of disease processes. Fewer demonstrators were required than traditional wet laboratories and ‘bottle’ tutorials yet maintained direct teacher/student contact. Conclusion Our new modern interactive learning environment has been successful in teaching pathology to large class sizes. This approach has met the needs of students and teachers and the demands of the changing academic environment.