From lectures to flipped classroom: A quasi-experimental crossover study on students’ performance and perceptions in learning histology.

Authors

  • Dr. Kavya Associate Professor, Department of Anatomy, Dr. B.R.Ambedkar Medical College, Bangalore, India.
  • Dr. Geetha Saraswathy Pitchandy Associate Professor, Department of Anatomy, Dr. B.R.Ambedkar Medical College, Bangalore, India.
  • Dr. Ramesh Bindinganabile RangaIyengar Professor & HOD, Department of Anatomy, Dr.B.R.Ambedkar Medical College, Bangalore, India.
  • Dr. Sharmadha Kodur LaxmiNarayana Assistant Professor, Department of Anatomy, Adichunchanagiri Institute of Medical Sciences, B.G. Nagar, India.
  • Dr . Yogi Anupkumar Balakrishnan Professor, Department of Anatomy, Adichunchanagiri Institute of Medical Sciences, Mandya, India.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i9.2079

Keywords:

Anatomy education, Histology, Flipped classroom, Didactic lecture, medical students, Active learning, Knowledge retention, Teaching methodology

Abstract

Background:

Anatomy education has traditionally relied on didactic lectures, but innovative approaches such as the flipped classroom are increasingly being explored to promote active learning, engagement, and deeper understanding.

 Objective:

To evaluate the effectiveness of the flipped classroom compared to traditional lectures in teaching histology to first-year MBBS students.

 Methods:

A quasi-experimental crossover study was conducted among 150 first-year MBBS students. Two histology topics (stomach and small intestine) were taught using the flipped classroom and didactic lecture methods. Pre-test, mid-test, and post-test scores were recorded using multiple-choice questionnaires. Group A initially underwent flipped classroom teaching, and Group B didactic lectures for Topic 1, followed by crossover for Topic 2. Statistical analysis was performed using paired and independent t-tests.

 Results:

The participants comprised 150 first-year MBBS students (52% female; mean age 19.4 ± 0.8 years). Both teaching methods significantly improved student performance. Didactic lectures showed greater short-term gains (mean post-test = 9.48 ± 1.33 vs. 8.92 ± 1.73; p < 0.05). The flipped classroom group demonstrated a steady incremental improvement from pre-test (6.98 ± 1.94) to mid-test (7.25 ± 2.17) and post-test (8.92 ± 1.73), confirming progressive learning and retention (p < 0.001).

 Conclusion:

Didactic lectures remain effective for achieving rapid short-term learning gains, whereas the flipped classroom fosters gradual improvement, learner autonomy, and deeper engagement.

 Recommendations:

A blended, context-sensitive approach integrating both lectures and flipped classroom strategies is recommended to optimize learning outcomes in anatomy education. Future studies should assess long-term knowledge retention, adaptability, and the role of technology-enabled blended models across diverse medical curricula.

Author Biographies

Dr. Kavya, Associate Professor, Department of Anatomy, Dr. B.R.Ambedkar Medical College, Bangalore, India.

is an Associate Professor in the Department of Anatomy at Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Medical College, Bangalore, under Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences. She completed her MBBS from KVG Medical College, Sullia (2009) and MD in Anatomy from Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore (2016). With over 10 years of teaching experience and 10 publications in reputed journals, she has significantly contributed to academics and research in anatomical sciences. (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0008-9887-0202)

Dr. Geetha Saraswathy Pitchandy, Associate Professor, Department of Anatomy, Dr. B.R.Ambedkar Medical College, Bangalore, India.

is an Associate Professor of Anatomy at Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Medical College, Bangalore. She obtained her MBBS degree from Tirunelveli Medical College (2001) and MD in Anatomy from Narayana Medical College (2009). With 6 years of teaching experience and 3 international publications, she is committed to strengthening anatomical education and guiding budding doctors. (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0004-4238-6658)

Dr. Ramesh Bindinganabile RangaIyengar , Professor & HOD, Department of Anatomy, Dr.B.R.Ambedkar Medical College, Bangalore, India.

is Professor and Head of the Department of Anatomy at Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Medical College, Bangalore. He completed his MBBS from Bangalore Medical College (1984) and MS in Anatomy from Mysore Medical College (1989). With nearly 40 years of teaching and research experience, Dr. Ramesh is widely respected for his academic contributions, research guidance, and publications in anatomical sciences. (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0005-4277-5298)

Dr. Sharmadha Kodur LaxmiNarayana , Assistant Professor, Department of Anatomy, Adichunchanagiri Institute of Medical Sciences, B.G. Nagar, India.

is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Anatomy at Adichunchanagiri Institute of Medical Sciences, B.G. Nagar, affiliated with Adichunchanagiri University. She holds a B.Sc. in Genetics from Bangalore University (2008) and an M.Sc. in Medical Anatomy from Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore (2011). With 12 years of teaching experience, she is currently pursuing her PhD in Anatomy and has 10 publications in international journals. (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0001-2131-8902)

Dr . Yogi Anupkumar Balakrishnan, Professor, Department of Anatomy, Adichunchanagiri Institute of Medical Sciences, Mandya, India.

is a Professor of Anatomy at Adichunchanagiri Institute of Medical Sciences, Mandya. He completed his MBBS (2010) and MD in Anatomy (2016) from A.J. Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Mangalore. With 8 years of teaching experience, he has published 7 international research articles, including 3 indexed in Scopus. (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5968-342X)

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Published

2025-09-13

How to Cite

Dr. Kavya, Pitchandy, D. G. S., RangaIyengar , D. R. B. ., LaxmiNarayana, D. S. K. . ., & Balakrishnan, D. . Y. A. . (2025). From lectures to flipped classroom: A quasi-experimental crossover study on students’ performance and perceptions in learning histology. Student’s Journal of Health Research Africa, 6(9), 13. https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i9.2079

Issue

Vol. 6 No. 9 (2025): September 2025 issue

Section

Section of Anatomy & Physiology

License

Copyright (c) 2025 Dr. Kavya, Dr. Geetha Saraswathy Pitchandy, Dr. Ramesh Bindinganabile RangaIyengar , Dr. Sharmadha Kodur LaxmiNarayana , Dr . Yogi Anupkumar Balakrishnan

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