The effectiveness of humane teaching methods in veterinary education

Current concepts in simulation and other alternatives for veterinary education: a review

“…In many veterinary programs around the world, combinations of computer software-based learning, haptic task trainers, video demonstrations, virtual reality systems, plastic models, full-body manikins, and plastinated specimens have been used to augment traditional didactic learning methods and substantially reduce and replace the consumptive use of animals (Hart et al 2005;Martinsen and Jukes 2005;Knight 2007;Smeak 2007;Yushchenko et al 2012). Drawing from this diversity of resources provides for increased flexibility that traditional training methods have often not permitted, thus making it possible to place greater emphasis on humane values in the curriculum without compromising the teaching and learning of hands-on skills.…”

“…With new teaching methods, extensive research has been and continues to be conducted to establish their validity and efficacy. When compared to traditional methods, systematic reviews of comparative studies have found that simulation methods exhibit overall favourable results (Knight 2007;Patronek and Rauch 2007). Often, the learning outcomes and skill proficiency of veterinary students taught using alternatives have been found to be equivalent or greater than that of their peers who were taught using traditional learning methods.…”

“…This article builds on previous work examining innovations in veterinary education (Hart et al 2005;Martinsen and Jukes 2005;Scalese and Issenberg 2005;Knight 2007;Smeak 2007) by surveying some of the recently developed and commercialised methods available for teaching veterinary students. In addition to a survey of available simulation technologies, we examine some of the most commonly advanced concerns regarding the adoption of such technologies and their effect on the curriculum, teaching, and student learning.…”

“…Previous reviews (Hart et al 2005;Martinsen and Jukes 2005;Knight 2007;Smeak 2007) have discussed some of the surgical simulators available for veterinary training, but a number of high-quality products have been developed and released since and will be reviewed here.…”

“…Links used in text 8. References also factored heavily into efforts to develop and implement veterinary training curricula that reduce reliance on and replace once-common exercises that may be harmful to animals, such as terminal surgery laboratories (Hart et al 2005;Martinsen and Jukes 2005;Knight 2007;Smeak 2007).…”