Analysis of Bangladeshi Medical Undergraduates Ability to Retain Anatomical Information by Using Mnemonics

ABSTRACT

Anatomy forms the fundamental base for the medical undergraduates during the earlier period of MBBS course. It is a vast subject and it always needs some specialized approach to teaching-learning. For easier retrieval of recalled anatomical information, medical undergraduates use different mnemonics. But the effectiveness of different mnemonic techniques like ‘Rhyme’ and ‘Storytelling’ has not been addressed systematically. Methods: This cross sectional analytical study was conducted in the Department of Anatomy, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh from March 2017 to February 2018 and sample was collected from two public medical colleges in Dhaka City. Total 93 first year medical undergraduates of both sex were selected and divided into three groups (‘Rhyme’, ‘Storytelling’ and control) in the ‘memory tests’ on Neuronantomy. The effectiveness in memorizing anatomical information was determined and differences between effectiveness detected by comparing the performances of medical undergraduates. Results: Judging by the performances of the medical undergraduates, ‘Rhyme’ was found significantly more effective in memorizing anatomical information than ‘Storytelling’ and control group. Conclusion: The idea regarding the effectiveness of specific mnemonic techniques should be helpful in deciding on where and how to use or avoid the use of mnemonics according to their actual potentials.