Celebrating student engagement in an undergraduate histology course: A showcase review

Abstract

Drawing is a teaching tool that provides numerous benefits to student learning, including enhanced knowledge retention, improved observation skills, and increased engagement with course content. However, these exercises also place high cognitive demands on students and require a considerable time commitment. To acknowledge and celebrate the effort students invest in their drawings; while also giving these illustrations curricular significance, a gallery walk can be an effective teaching strategy. During a gallery walk, students move around a learning space to view, analyze, and discuss work displayed on the walls. This article describes an adaptation of a gallery walk, named a ‘showcase review session’, which was implemented in an undergraduate histology course. This optional session highlighted highly accurate assignment drawings while offering a content review before the final examination. The course instructor created review questions associated with the student drawings, which were projected onto screens around the room. Students could visit the session at any time, with the questions cycling continuously, and the course instructor and teaching assistants circulated to answer questions. Students responded positively to the session, noting that it helped them prepare for their upcoming practical laboratory examination and that showcasing student work added value to the course. Showcase review sessions like the one described can be applied across disciplines, giving students the opportunity to learn from their peers' work while effectively reviewing course content in an engaging and interactive environment.