Competition is a key element in many educational games and is often adopted by educators in an effort to motivate and excite their students. Yet, the use of academic competition in educational institutions remains the subject of much debate. Opponents argue that academic competition causes an increase in student anxiety and divides their attention. However, if the contexts of academic competition are defined, could the inclusion of a game‐like competition in a university course be a viable and beneficial method of engaging students? Students ( n = 67) were recruited from an undergraduate human anatomy course at Western University. Using a crossover design, students were exposed to a competitive tournament either at the time of their first term test or second term test. The anatomical knowledge of participating students was assessed prior to the start of the study using a baseline anatomy test. Following treatment with an online competitive anatomy tournament, student's term test grades and final course grades were analyzed. Both the second term test scores (F(2,64) = 3.743, P = 0.029) and overall course grades (F(2,64) = 3.356, P = 0.041) were found to be significantly different ( P &lt; 0.05) for individuals in the competitive group when compared to their non‐competing peers. As suggested by the literature where organized competition in the classroom correlates to improved academic performance, this study uncovered significant results pertaining to increased academic performance resulting from participating in tournament‐based competition. In light of these positive results, further exploration of the effects of academic competition on student performance across age brackets and disciplines is warranted. Anat Sci Educ 8: 404–412. © 2014 American Association of Anatomists.

Sonya E. Van Nuland

Victoria A. Roach

Timothy D. Wilson

Daniel J. Belliveau

Anatomical Sciences Education

该杂志的目的是提供一个国际论坛，就与大体解剖学、胚胎学、组织学、神经科学、生物医学和生命科学的解剖学教育相关的主题进行基于证据的思想、观点、创新和研究交流。该杂志涵盖解剖科学教育的各个层次，包括本科、研究生、研究生、护理、联合健康、兽医、医学（对抗疗法和整骨疗法）和牙科。

The journal "Anatomical Sciences Education" aims to provide an international forum for the exchange of evidence-based ideas, perspectives, innovations, and research related to anatomical education in gross anatomy, embryology, histology, neuroscience, biomedical sciences, and life sciences. It covers all levels of anatomical sciences education, including undergraduate, graduate, nursing, allied health, veterinary, medical (including osteopathic and chiropractic), and dental education.

《Anatomical Sciences Education》旨在提供一个国际论坛，交流与大体解剖学、胚胎学、组织学、神经科学、生物医学和生命科学相关的解剖学教育主题的基于证据的思想、观点、创新和研究。该杂志涵盖了解剖科学教育的各个层次，包括本科、研究生、护理、联合健康、兽医、医学（包括对抗疗法和整骨疗法）以及牙科。

Head to head: The role of academic competition in undergraduate anatomical education

This study uncovered significant results pertaining to increased academic performance resulting from participating in tournament‐based competition and further exploration of the effects of academic competition on student performance across age brackets and disciplines is warranted.

Category	Quartile
教育学	2
教育学, 学科教育	2

Head to head: The role of academic competition in undergraduate anatomical education

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Category	Quartile
EDUCATION, SCIENTIFIC DISCIPLINES	1