Pedagogical framework of Exploring 3D Anatomy: multimodal, experiential, and social learning with art-based cycles¶

Design · All designs
Evidence · 1 claim (1 for) · 1 study (1 qualitative), q2 · 0 of 1 report an effect size · 1 claim rests on one study

Description¶

The course is underpinned by pedagogical principles including multimodal, experiential, and social learning; critical observation and visualization; and evidence-informed art-based learning approaches including Haptico-visual observation and drawing and Observe-reflect-draw-edit-repeat. The modular course structure is deliberately underpinned by Observe-reflect-draw-edit-repeat experiential learning cycles, with elements of building upon prior knowledge, experiential cycles, and social learning underpinned by theories of cognitive constructivism, experiential learning, and social learning respectively.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

Each exercise requires learners to engage in haptic and visual observation during practical art-based activities using easily available and accessible household objects

Constraints¶

Anatomical resources/models are not required nor recommended; exercises use household objects such as forks, jars, citrus fruit, and boxes

Target Learners¶

Undergraduate medical students
Novice anatomy learners

Learning Goals¶

Spatial awareness development
Visualization of anatomical planes
Critical observation skills

Claims¶

Drawing and haptic-visual observation activities helped students visualize and notice anatomical details, though some found household objects insufficiently contextualized [+W]

Exploring 3D Anatomy: a free open online course for three-dimensional spatial awareness

Examples¶

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Key Sources¶

Zhang J, Sachdeva M, McCaig C, Gordon E, Shapiro L, Keenan ID. (2026). Exploring 3D anatomy: A free online course supporting novice learner inquiry and spatial conceptualization. Anatomical Sciences Education. https://doi.org/10.1002/ase.70288

Page metadata

Field	Value
`type`	`design`
`id`	`exploring-3d-anatomy-pedagogical-framework`
`title`	`Pedagogical framework of Exploring 3D Anatomy: multimodal, experiential, and social learning with art-based cycles`
`description`	`The course is underpinned by pedagogical principles including multimodal, experiential, and social learning; critical observation and visualization; and evidence-informed art-based learning approaches including Haptic...`
`status`	`review`
`generated`	by `process:settle-candidates` on `2026-11-04`
`trust`	unverified — no one has confirmed this page's content
`sources`	1 — `zhang-j-2026`

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