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Improving body image

10 June 2009

When Monash lecturer Adina Kleiner was asked to develop an anatomy program for the University's new physiotherapy course, the task seemed daunting but an opportunity not to be missed.

Her aim was to create a curriculum that would stimulate students to learn anatomy well and to integrate it effectively into clinical practice.

The new program emerged as a melding of factors, but one of the highlights was the introduction of life drawing – an opportunity for students to study body form and interpret that in artistic detail.

"What we saw was students thinking beyond the technicalities of medicine and interpreting their written understanding of physiotherapy in a way that was reflective of the human form, yet artistic," Ms Kleiner said.

"Students crave stories of real-life experiences and an opportunity to take their textbook knowledge and apply it."

The program developed a system for students to learn key aspects and functions of anatomy by reinforcement, which aims for long-term retention of facts.

"It is critical for students to be able to understand functional relevance of body parts and be able to quickly assess and analyse them," Ms Kleiner said.

"It may be tedious, having to learn things in detail, but it really helps to build confidence in their knowledge and understanding."

The success of the new curriculum has caught on at Monash with fine art students learning about anatomy.

Although Ms Kleiner is not expecting to introduce physiotherapy curriculum to the fine arts courses, she does believe learning the anatomy of the human body is essential for any student serious about working with human form.

"Our era of education requires us to be cross-disciplinary and collaborative in our approach to teaching. By thinking outside the square to create curriculum helps to create an education that is exciting and engaging," Ms Kleiner said.