Intentional grouping and team building within the gross anatomy laboratory

Abstract

Several benefits have been cited in literature discussing cadaver dissection, with the development of team building skills and group dynamics frequently toward the top of this list. This study aims to focus on the development of teamwork skills with intentional lab group formation based on individualized strength assessments in the gross anatomy lab. The participants were physical therapy students enrolled in a Clinical Gross Anatomy course at a private medical school. The students were purposely assigned their lab groups of four based on their results from the CliftonStrengths assessment. “Strengths,” were divided into four main categories: executing, influencing, relationship building, and strategic thinking. Each group had a student who scored highly in each of the four areas. For the pre-experimental one-group pretest–posttest design, the data measures were TCI (Team Climate Inventory) with additional open-ended questions on the posttest. Significant changes were noted in the pre/posttest TCI scores in two of the four TCI categories. Using thematic analysis, two primary dimensions of teambuilding were identified. First, personality trait differences were identified within groups and led to further understanding of competition within the group and individual self-confidence issues. Second, group dynamics were identified as they related to a positive, negative, or neutral experience. This pilot study demonstrated significant changes in team dynamics; however, intentional grouping based on individualized personality strengths did not significantly impact these results. Positive experiences were noted in some groups, considerable negative experiences were noted in others, with some neutral still.