A Retrospective Study on the Effects of Face-to-Face and Online Teaching Methods on Student Performance in Veterinary Anatomy Education

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic triggered a rapid shift from face-to-face to online learning, significantly impacting anatomy education, which relies heavily on practical training. This retrospective study evaluated the effects of face-to-face, online, and hybrid teaching on student performance in Anatomy-I and Anatomy-II courses in Turkish and English veterinary programs at Ankara University from 2017 to 2021. A total of 1.496 students (Turkish: 1.253; English: 243) were included, with academic years categorized as pre-pandemic, acute pandemic, and prolonged pandemic. Performance was analyzed using Chi-square, t-tests, Kappa agreement, and odds ratios. Results showed higher success rates in online Anatomy-II courses, especially in 2020–2021. Anatomy-I outcomes varied, and female students consistently outperformed male students. The hybrid model produced mixed results. Online education, when well-structured, was as effective as traditional methods. Future anatomy education should adopt hybrid models that combine digital flexibility with essential in-person practice.