Applying OBE Concepts to Reform and Enhance “Morphological Research Methods” Experimental Teaching

“Morphological Research Methods” is extensively utilized in scientific research within both basic and clinical medicine. Traditional morphology experiments often lack components such as experimental design, prediction, and analysis of results, which limits the demonstration of medical students' independent, innovative, and creative thinking. Outcome based education (OBE) is a forward-thinking educational concept that focuses on being goal-oriented, student-centered, and employs reverse thinking. This approach aligns with the Ministry of Health’s objectives for cultivating multi-level, interdisciplinary medical talents. In this teaching reform initiative, “5+3” clinical medicine students were selected as the subjects of study. The topic "skin mechanical damage repair" was chosen for student research and design projects. The improved Masson trichrome staining method was incorporated into the experimental curriculum, with an emphasis on enhancing the analysis and discussion of staining results and experimental outcomes. Teaching feedback and evaluations indicate that morphology instruction based on the OBE framework not only fosters students’ independent, innovative, and creative thinking but also significantly enhances the quality of morphological experimental teaching.