The Flexagon As A Three-Dimensional Learning Tool: Reimagining Gastrulation Instruction In Medical Anatomy

Abstract

Embryology, a critical yet often conceptually challenging component of anatomical sciences, necessitates innovative pedagogical approaches to convey complex, dynamic processes such as gastrulation. This intricate period of early human development, involving profound cellular rearrangements and differentiation, frequently presents significant spatial and temporal understanding barriers for medical students. This article investigates the potential of the flexagon, a unique type of foldable polygon, as an interactive, three-dimensional teaching aid to enhance comprehension of gastrulation. By physically manipulating the flexagon, learners can visually and tactually experience the invagination, migration, and subsequent layering of germ cells, thereby transforming an abstract concept into a tangible, sequential process. This method is particularly beneficial for accommodating diverse learning styles, especially those of kinesthetic learners, and seeks to bridge the gap between static instructional materials and the dynamic reality of embryogenesis. The paper details the design, proposed implementation, anticipated educational benefits, and future research avenues for integrating this novel tool into medical anatomy curricula, ultimately aiming to foster a more profound and lasting understanding of early human development.