AbstractBackground: The subject of Anatomy is taught to undergraduate students primarily using traditional teaching learning methods like lectures and small group tutorials. These methods do not involve the students actively in the teaching learning process to a very great extent. Seminars prepared and presented by students are an example of collaborative learning which is student centred and promotes active learning leading to a better comprehension of the subject. Aim: The present study was undertaken with the aim of promoting the practice of active learning in undergraduate medical students. Methodology: Groups of students presented seminars in the presence of the entire class and faculty with help of using audiovisual media, models, charts, videos and skits. Observations: Student feedback was gathered taken pertaining to various aspects of seminars using a questionnaire having a 3 point Likert scale and by asking open ended questions. Conclusions: The findings of this project suggest that group seminars presented by students are an effective way to inculcate the practice of active learning amongst students. Besides motivating students towards self directed study, seminars also improve other desirable attributes like communication skills, teamwork, improved use of audiovisual aids and lead to a better student teacher interaction.
Keywords: Active Learning; Seminars.