With a paradigm shift from traditional to competency-based curriculum and integrated teaching, devising suitable teaching strategies is crucial to enable learning and application of knowledge 1. Medical students are not pathologists or cytologists but they need to have a thorough knowledge of pathophysiology and pathology of various diseases which forms the basic foundation of medicine.

Pathology and its branches are an integral and crucial part of medical education and modular system-based curriculum. There is emphasis for teaching basic medical science with clinical relevance, thereby facilitating the application of basic knowledge in clinical context. Gross and microscopic appearances

There are only few studies to address the pedagogical methods in teaching cytopathology that facilitates application of knowledge and its clinical relevance.

The aim of this study is to optimize the teaching learning methods to enhance cell identification competency. The goal is to improve students’ ability to identify the cells by evaluating and comparing the impact of these two approaches-diagrams and microscopic images. By identifying the most effective method, the study aims to contribute to enriched learning experience, ensuring that students develop and refine their cell identification skills more efficiently and comprehensively. This enhancement in learning can ultimately lead to better prepared medical professionals with enhanced observational and cognitive skills.

To achieve the set goal, an explanatory sequential mixed method research method was designed. This consisted of initial quantitative data collection and statistical analysis, followed by qualitative phase to understand the impact of the preferred teaching learning tool. Later integration of both quantitative and qualitative data was done for complete interpretation.

Ethical clearance for the study was obtained from Institutes Ethical Clearance Board. The study included a group of second-year medical students who voluntarily participated in this study. The study was conducted in a classroom with conducive environment. This was not a part of their Formative assessment

To assess cell identification abilities, thirty microscopic images of cells (Set:1) and hand-drawn images of the same cells using Hematoxylin & Eosin (H&E) pencils (Set:2) were used. Microscopic images were projected first followed by Set 2 images in a different sequence. The cells included for the study were from topics already taught to them. Students were tasked with identifying and documenting their observations each time within a constant time-interval. The responses for both sets were collected and evaluated. Only the correct identification response was allotted 01 marks. The scores obtained by each student for both sets was tabulated and scores analyzed using paired t test

Focus group discussion was conducted to obtain the qualitative data of the learning tool using questionnaire, which was focused on eliciting their learning experiences, preference and the reasons for the same. The questionnaire was pilot tested. The students were divided into five groups by random sampling, with four groups of 15 students each and one group of 14 students. Consent was obtained, basic rules of discussion were communicated and confidentiality was assured to the participants. The discussion lasted for 60-80 minutes with a minimum of 12-15 minutes discussion on each question. The responses were recorded, transcribed and analyzed.

Seventy-four students willingly participated in the study. Male to female ratio was 1.5:1 with 44 male & 30 female students. The scores obtained for microscopic images ranged from 03 to 17, and 10 to 26 for H& E diagrams.

Figure 1

C & D: (Set 2: H & E Diagrams)

Pathology is not just seeing a slide! There is a need for relating what is seen to what is known about cytology and histopathology structure. Abraham Flexner emphasized almost seven decades back that the basic sciences should be taught with clinical relevance 2. Joewono in his studies has advocated and promoted the concept of drawing to learn in parallel with writing to learn 3. Studies have shown that Modern cytology and histopathology teaching methods using posters, digital photomicrographs and imaging fail to engage students with learning material 4, 5. It is found that there is lack of retention and clinical application among students 6. They are unable to completely and systematically comprehend cytology. It has only enabled students to see and read a slide but not remember or reproduce specific image.

In studies done by Weitman et al 7, Schwamborn et al8 & Kumar RK et al9 it was observed that drawings help students to acquire & remember information, perform well in tests. It enhanced deep learning and higher level of comprehension. Similar observations were made in Rafi et al 1. These observations were with the findings of our study. However, study done by Garcia M et al10 opined that students felt drawing is time consuming and is difficult for few who find it complex. This was the opinion in two students (2.7%) in our study. This can be addressed with more concentration on the basic structure rather than aesthetic or artistic ability.

Time immemorable, drawings are still considered to be an important teaching learning tool, where the learner engages in observation, comprehension & abstract conceptualization of structures under study 11. This teaching learning tool should not be compromised in an integrated medical curriculum with technological advancements.

Present study took students perspective into consideration as they are the important stakeholders of undergraduate teaching programme. Their opinion holds great significance in curriculum planning and implementation. There is a need to identify better educational strategies for the meaningful learning of cytology and histopathology.

Even regular lectures need to adapt similar drawing tools to simplify the subject. Teachers may have to spend more quality time and effort for preparing the diagrams 1. The data obtained is limited to II-year MBBS students. The study may be expanded to a larger cohort of students.

Diagrams were superior to microscopic images in facilitating cell identification. This study underscores the importance of incorporating drawing-based teaching and learning methods in cytology as they encourage a more profound and effective learning process. Continued inclusion of drawing based learning in medical education to enhance students cell identification skills is recommended.

Curriculum planners should encourage use of drawing as an important pedagogical tool as it uses psychomotor and cognitive skills for knowledge retention and understanding for its clinical application.