Applying Iterative Student Feedback across Flipped Classroom and Flexible Teaching Approaches: Impact on Veterinary Students’ Learning Experience

Abstract

No single teaching strategy supports all learning styles in veterinary science students. To facilitate more convenient and flexible teaching, learning, and revision, an innovative online digital learning platform—VetCloud—was developed to provide access to modularized programme content across courses to promote active, integrated learning. This study aimed to understand student perceptions regarding the enhancement of the student learning experience in a foundational course in gastrointestinal anatomy and physiology at The University of Queensland across two learning cycles, via applying iterative student feedback in transitioning a flipped classroom approach using VetCloud for the delivery of lecture content in 2022 to a flexible learning approach in 2023. By 2023, the use of VetCloud in the flexible learning approach improved students’ work/study/life balance, reduced their stress levels, and enabled a more efficient use of their time when studying, compared to the flipped classroom approach in 2022. Surveying student perceptions was integral to maximizing their learning experience. Data clearly demonstrates that students will mix-and-match how they interact with available options provided via flexible delivery on an individualized basis. This teaching method offers veterinary educators an innovative and efficient approach to veterinary student education in anatomy and physiology while enhancing student well-being.

Keywords

• blended learning
• flipped classroom
• veterinary medicine
• veterinary science
• anatomy
• physiology