Movement guided learning© as a novel means of musculoskeletal anatomy instruction

Our bodies can be physically stretched, palpated, and manipulated. These movement opportunities can be used in anatomical instruction, essentially turning a student's body into their own educational tool. This research details the initial development and use of a novel teaching approach, Movement Guided Learning© (MGL). Following prior instruction on both the skeletal system and the muscular system, students participated in a tutorial‐styled learning activity that relied on the MGL teaching approach. The learning activity was exploratory, guiding students through physical movements/stretches, directing students through surface palpation/visualization, and challenging students to collectively brainstorm on the application concepts. Musculoskeletal anatomy knowledge was assessed before and after the MGL activity, with improvements on open‐ended concept questions (t(9) = −3.65, p=.005). The MGL activity was well received by students, with all students indicating they believe it should be used in future classes. MGL as a means of musculoskeletal anatomy instruction provides an opportunity for students to independently construct deeper, more integrated, concept understanding. Grant Funding Source : none