Development and Implementation of a Hands-On Human Skeletal Anatomy Module for First-Year College Students

Basic anatomical education is essential for training healthcare professionals, but most first-year students have limited prior knowledge. The complexity of anatomical terminology across multiple languages presents a major barrier to learning. Therefore, developing hands-on educational materials that enhance student engagement and motivation is crucial.In this study, a practice-based anatomy curriculum was developed and applied to 32 first-year students majoring in Medical Engineering at a specialized health science university in the metropolitan area. The practice utilized life-size, disassembled human skeleton models (AK130, Inchemodel.com), and eight sets of arm and leg models were distributed to groups of four for hands-on learning. Using a practical guide that included anatomical diagrams and tables for each joint region, students observed skeletal structures, inferred anatomical names, and engaged in group discussions and online searches to deepen their understanding. Through this skeletal model practice, students were able to gain a three-dimensional understanding of anatomical knowledge. They clearly identified unfamiliar anatomical terms and structures by comparing them with actual models, which enhanced both teamwork and learning motivation. Based on the outcomes, this curriculum is proposed as a standard educational guideline for aptitude training in healthcare-related high school and early undergraduate programs.