Trends in the Presentation of Cell Biology and Histology in Contemporary Histology Books as Revealed in Their ‘Preface’s

Background: Teaching and learning of Cell Biology and Histology have gone through remarkable changes in recent times. The undergraduate medical courses in Bangladesh have incorporated some of these changes but seem to have some more way to go. Good Histology books are supposed to be reflectors of the desirable changes and of the present trends in teaching-learning and assessment in the subject in good institutions. Analyses of the ‘Preface’s of these books can help in developing an insight into the approaches taken and means applied in presenting Cell Biology and Histology in the books for meeting the demands of time. This insight, in turn, would guide the curriculum planners of the country and others seeking for changes in taking necessary steps. Objectives: To analyse the ‘Preface’s of contemporary Histology books, qualitatively, for noting the approaches taken and means applied in presenting Cell Biology and Histology in the books. Methods: The study was descriptive, observational and qualitative in nature, carried out in the Department of Anatomy, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, between July 2007 and June 2008. The study materials were the ‘Preface’s of fifteen Histology books dealing with Cell Biology and Histology, published since 1984. The ‘Preface’s were analysed qualitatively to identify the information provided and comments made by their authors/editors on the approaches taken and means applied in the books in selecting and presenting topics, text and illustrations. The observations were organised into specific ‘theme’s. Results: Sixteen ‘theme’s could be identified. These include, among others, special emphasis in the books on following curricular reforms, incorporation of new information and special focus on the relationship of structures with functions. Additions and improvements regarding tables and illustrations are also highlighted. Conclusion: By incorporating the findings of the present study with the present-day ideas and trends in Cell Biology and Histology teaching-learning and assessment in the renowned institutions of the world, as evident from the available literature, suggestions can be formulated on improving the methods of teaching and assessment in Cell Biology and Histology in Bangladesh.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bsmmuj.v5i1.11017 BSMMU J 2012; 5(1):46-54