The use of three-dimensional models for the teaching anatomical structures in high school biology lessons

Abstract

The effects on the success of students in examination by using a three-dimensional plastic model and a three-dimensional digital computer application for the teaching of the subject of "Eye anatomy" under the title of "Sensory organs" were aimed in the study. The study was conducted on the three groups of high school students (N=43). The groups were split into different laboratories for freelance work. The first group was given standard lecture notes, the second group was given 3D plastic eye models and the third group was given a 3D digital eye model application in the computer environment and they were left to work for equal periods. Pre-test and post-test achievement exams were used as data collection tools to measure the achievement levels of the students on the subject of "Eye anatomy". At the end of this study, no significant difference was found between the groups according to the results of the statistical analysis. It is assumed that the results may be related to the study habits of the students for the university entrance exam in Turkey; the characteristics of the three-dimensional models used; or the fact that only short-term memory has been tested. So, extensive research is needed considering these issues.