Bringing Anatomy to Life: Innovative Esthetics Teaching through Play and Reflection

Submitted by Aba Mortley, Program Coordinator Esthetics, Professor, Esthetics, School of Trades 
 
Teaching anatomy and physiology to esthetics students presents a unique challenge, especially when scheduled for 7:30 am on Wednesday and Thursday mornings!  

Coming into the  Esthetics program, we have learners with varying degrees of familiarity with the subject. To address this, I embraced the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) to create a dynamic, inclusive learning environment. By combining traditional methods, hands-on activities, interactive technology, and reflective practices, I transformed the classroom into a space where students not only learned but also deeply connected with the material. 

The foundation of our course was built on traditional tools like slides, handouts, and structured lecture notes. These resources ensured students had clear, reliable information to anchor their learning, particularly for those who thrive with visual and textual formats.

To enhance these traditional means, we utilized techniques that allowed us to learn through play, creation, gamification and technology. We were happy to again utilize the expertise of Steve Jansen at the Innovation Hub to set and use a VR anatomy program, where we were able to look at bones and muscles that we learnt in class.

In class, we utilized technology through interactive Kahoot games, that allowed for review of concepts in a collaborative and fun setting.  

To make anatomy tangible and relatable, I integrated creative, hands-on activities that included: 

Cell Structures with Play-Dough: Students modeled cell structures, gaining a three-dimensional understanding of organelles and their functions. 
Building Nails with Wax Sticks and Play-Dough: This fun activity explored nail anatomy, directly connecting to its importance in esthetics practices. 
DIY Lung Models: Using water bottles, balloons, and duct tape, students built functioning lung models to learn the mechanics of respiration while fostering teamwork and creativity. 
Kahoot Games: These lively quizzes were perfect for reviewing concepts in a competitive yet collaborative setting. 
VR in the Innovation Hub: Virtual reality sessions immersed students in the human body, offering a unique perspective that traditional tools couldn’t provide. 
 
Small group discussions paired students with varying levels of experience, creating opportunities for peer-to-peer teaching and deeper understanding. These sessions encouraged active participation, problem-solving, and the sharing of diverse perspectives.

To enhance self-awareness and connect their experiences to the material, students completed weekly reflective journals. These journals prompted them to consider what they learned that week and how it applied to their understanding of anatomy and physiology. Journalling encouraged deeper engagement and connections between the material and their future work as estheticians, such as understanding how knowledge of the skin, nails, and body systems informs client treatments. 
  
This teaching journey demonstrated the power of combining traditional methods with innovative, interactive, and reflective strategies. By catering to different learning styles and fostering an inclusive space, students were empowered to not only master the material but also develop confidence in their abilities.