Improving achievement through problem-based learning

In this study, the effect of problem-based learning on students' academic achievement and performance skills in a unit on he human excretory system was investigated. Sixty-one 10th grade students, from two full classes instructed by the same iology teacher, were involved in the study. Classes were randomly assigned as either the experimental or the control group and were pre- and post-tested to determine their academic achievement and performance skills before and after the treatment. The experimental group was taught with problem-based learning while the control group received traditionally-designed biology instruction. Results showed that although there was no pre-existing difference between two groups, students instructed with problem-based learning earned significantly higher scores than those instructed with traditionally-designed biology instruction — in terms of academic achievement and performance skills. Students in the experimental group appeared to be more proficient in the use and organisation of relevant information, in constructing knowledge and moving toward better conclusions.     

概念图策略在生理学教学实践中的应用

目的:探讨概念图策略在高职护理专业生理学教学实践中的效果。方法:随机抽取57名学生作为实验组,54名学生作为对照组;实验组施行概念图策略教学法,对照组则采用传统教学法。分别比较两组学生的单元测验成绩和期末考试成绩,并于全部课程结束后进行问卷调查,分析调查结果。结果:实验组学生的单元测试成绩和期末考试成绩均明显高于对照组学生,差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05);实验组94.34%的学生认为教学能够提高学习主动性,而对照组为64.81%;实验组84.21%的学生认为教学有助于提升对课程内容的理解,而对照组为64.11%;实验组87.72%的学生认为教学促进师生互动,而对照组为38.89%;实验组84.21%的学生认为教学可增强团队合作精神,而对照组为57.41%。实验组的调查结果明显优于对照组,差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论:将概念图策略引入高职护理专业的生理学课程教学实践中,能够更好的帮助学生掌握生理学的理论体系,提升教学质量,提高学生的专业知识水平。     

Cat dissection vs. sculpting human structures in clay: an analysis of two approaches to undergraduate human anatomy laboratory education

Many human anatomy courses are taught using cat dissection. Alternatives are available, but information regarding learning outcomes is incomplete. In 2003, approximately 120 undergraduates enrolled in a human anatomy course were assigned to one of two treatment groups. In the control group, students performed cat dissections (emphasizing isolation and identification) of the muscular, digestive, and cardiovascular systems. In the experimental treatment group, students built clay sculptures of each human body system. Student learning was evaluated by using both low- and high-difficulty questions. On pre- and postexperiment control exams, there were no significant differences in student performance. On exams after a cat dissection vs. a human-clay sculpting experience, the students in the human-clay sculpting treatment group scored significantly higher than their classmates in the cat dissection group on both the low- and high-difficulty questions. Student attitudes toward dissection and taking future human anatomy courses were also measured. There were no differences in student attitudes at the beginning of the experiment; afterward, students exposed to a cat dissection experience viewed dissection more favorably than students in the human-clay sculpting treatment group. There were no treatment effects on student willingness to take future human anatomy courses. The experimental design makes it difficult to conclude precisely why students assigned to the human-clay sculpting experience performed better on exams, but as each method was performed in this particular human anatomy course, our data indicate that human-clay sculpting may be a viable alternative to cat dissection in an anatomy course in which the students focus on human anatomy.     

Evidence That Personal Genome Testing Enhances Student Learning in a Course on Genomics and Personalized Medicine

An emerging debate in academic medical centers is not about the need for providing trainees with fundamental education on genomics, but rather the most effective educational models that should be deployed. At Stanford School of Medicine, a novel hands-on genomics course was developed in 2010 that provided students the option to undergo personal genome testing as part of the course curriculum. We hypothesized that use of personal genome testing in the classroom would enhance the learning experience of students. No data currently exist on how such methods impact student learning; thus, we surveyed students before and after the course to determine its impact. We analyzed responses using paired statistics from the 31 medical and graduate students who completed both pre-course and post-course surveys. Participants were stratified by those who did (N = 23) or did not (N = 8) undergo personal genome testing. In reflecting on the experience, 83% of students who underwent testing stated that they were pleased with their decision compared to 12.5% of students who decided against testing (P = 0.00058). Seventy percent of those who underwent personal genome testing self-reported a better understanding of human genetics on the basis of having undergone testing. Further, students who underwent personal genome testing demonstrated an average 31% increase in pre- to post-course scores on knowledge questions (P = 3.5×10⁻⁶); this was significantly higher (P = 0.003) than students who did not undergo testing, who showed a non-significant improvement. Undergoing personal genome testing and using personal genotype data in the classroom enhanced students'' self-reported and assessed knowledge of genomics, and did not appear to cause significant anxiety. At least for self-selected students, the incorporation of personal genome testing can be an effective educational tool to teach important concepts of clinical genomic testing.     

PBL结合LBL教学法在老年医学教学中的应用

目的:通过研究PBL结合LBL教学法在老年医学教学中的应用,观察与传统的LBL教学方法比较,PBL结合LBL教学法对学生考核成绩提高的作用,并探讨PBL结合LBL教学法加强对学生自主学习、综合实践、团队协作等各方面能力的提升。方法:选择2014年9月-2015年5月第三军医大学临床医学系2013级学生145名,随机分为实验组(PBL结合LBL教学法,75名)和对照组(传统的LBL教学法,70名)作为研究对象,通过考核与问卷调查评估结果。结果:以冠心病相关知识作为考核内容,与对照组比较,实验组考核成绩高于对照组(91.50±4.36 vs.83.24±4.12,P0.01);对实验组学生75名发放调查问卷,87%以上学生认为该教学法对提高自身学习能力、激发学习兴趣、增强表达能力等方面有较大帮助。结论:PBL结合LBL的教学法有助于提高老年医学教学效果。     

Traditional versus computer-based dissections inenhancing learning in a tertiary setting: a student perspective

This paper describes a study investigating both the use and usefulness of laboratory dissections and computer-based dissections, in a tertiary, first-year human biology course. In addition student attitudes to dissection were investigated. Data were collected from enrolled students using quantitative and qualitative survey instruments. Students were questioned about their usage and perceptions of the usefulness of there sources provided, and their attitudes towards the use of dissections for learning in human biology.

The real dissection was used as a learning resource by 80% of the student cohort while only 15% used the computer-based dissection material. In addition 5% of students reported that they did not use either the realdissection material or the computer-based dissection. Of those students who did use the computer-based dissection, two thirds of them found it useful for learning both structure and function of body systems. Of those students who used the real dissection, 72% found it useful for learning structure but only 62% found that it helped in learning function. Of the entire cohort surveyed, 90% agreed that biology students should dissect ananimal to help learn about anatomy. These outcomes reinforce the need to offer a variety of learning experiences that target different styles of learning.     

Students’ Perceptions of Peer-Organized Extra-Curricular Research Course during Medical School: A Qualitative Study

Early integration of research education into medical curricula is crucial for evidence-based practice. Yet, many medical students are graduating with no research experience due to the lack of such integration in their medical school programs. The purpose of this study was to explore the impact of a peer-organized, extra-curricular research methodology course on the attitudes of medical students towards research and future academic careers. Twenty one medical students who participated in a peer-organized research course were enrolled in three focus group discussions to explore their experiences, perceptions and attitudes towards research after the course. Discussions were conducted using a semi-structured interview guide, and were transcribed and thematically analyzed for major and minor themes identification. Our findings indicate that students’ perceptions of research changed after the course from being difficult initially to becoming possible. Participants felt that their research skills and critical thinking were enhanced and that they would develop research proposals and abstracts successfully. Students praised the peer-assisted teaching approach as being successful in enhancing the learning environment and filling the curricular gap. In conclusion, peer-organized extra-curricular research courses may be a useful option to promote research interest and skills of medical students when gaps in research education in medical curricula exist.     

微课和翻转课堂在生理学实验教学中的应用

目的:探讨微课(Microlecture)结合翻转课堂(Flipped Classroom)在生理学实验教学中的应用及效果。方法:以第四军医大学2010级临床医学专业五年制学员作为研究对象,随机分为对照组(A班,42人)和试验组(B班,42人),A班(7组,6人/组)接受传统方式的授课,B班(7组,6人/组)接受微课和翻转课堂模式的授课。课程结束后,以试卷考试,统计分析考试分数,同时用问卷调查评价教学效果。结果:试验组的总成绩明显高于对照组(P0.05)。学员对微课和翻转课堂教学法的效果评价明显优于传统的授课方式,微课结合翻转课堂在生理学实验教学中的应用明显提高了学员的实验兴趣、独立思考能力、动手能力、团队协作能力及自主学习能力。结论:微课结合翻转课堂在实验教学中的应用不但可以加深理论知识的理解,提高学员的各种技能,而且可推广应用到其他实验课程。     

BBL教学法在神经内科实习教学中的应用

目的:探讨BBL教学法在神经内科临床实习中的应用效果。方法:以第四军医大学2009级、2010级临床医学专业五年制60名学生为研究对象,随机分为试验组和对照组,在神经内科实习教学中分别接受BBL教学法或传统教学法,以试卷考试和问卷调查评价教学效果。结果:试验组和对照组基础理论知识和病历书写成绩无明显差异,但试验组的病例分析成绩和总成绩与对照组比较有统计学差异(P0.05)。学生对BBL教学法的效果评价明显优于传统教学法,BBL教学法对学生在实习兴趣、独立思维能力、自主解决问题能力、团队协作能力、灵活运用知识能力、人文关怀意识等方面的提升明显好于传统教学法。结论:BBL教学法在保证学生掌握基础知识的同时,提升了学生的各项能力,适合在神经内科实习教学中推广应用。     

PBL教学法联合PACS系统在医学影像学教学中的应用

目的:探讨采用PBL和PACS相结合的教学模式在影像学实习教学中的应用效果。方法:对我院2010级临床本科生40人采用传统教学法授课,另40人采用PBL和PACS相结合的教学法授课。课程结束后以考试成绩作为教学效果的评价指标,评价两种教学方法的教学效果;以调查问卷的方法评价学生对两种教学方法的感兴趣程度,并对结果进行统计学分析。结果:我们的研究结果显示,采用PBL和PACS相结合的方法进行教学的学生与传统教学法相比,理论考试成绩有所提高,但缺乏统计学意义(p0.05),病例分析成绩显著提高,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。问卷调查显示,PBL和PACS结合的教学方法更受同学欢迎,更能培养学生的自学能力和团队合作能力(P0.05)。结论:采用PBL和PACS相结合的教学方法,有助于提高学生的学习兴趣,提高学习成绩,值得在教学中应用。     

Learning outcomes and student-perceived value of clay modeling and cat dissection in undergraduate human anatomy and physiology

Alternatives and/or supplements to animal dissection are being explored by educators of human anatomy at different academic levels. Clay modeling is one such alternative that provides a kinesthetic, three-dimensional, constructive, and sensory approach to learning human anatomy. The present study compared two laboratory techniques, clay modeling of human anatomy and dissection of preserved cat specimens, in the instruction of muscles, peripheral nerves, and blood vessels. Specifically, we examined the effect of each technique on student performance on low-order and high-order questions related to each body system as well as the student-perceived value of each technique. Students who modeled anatomic structures in clay scored significantly higher on low-order questions related to peripheral nerves; scores were comparable between groups for high-order questions on peripheral nerves and for questions on muscles and blood vessels. Likert-scale surveys were used to measure student responses to statements about each laboratory technique. A significantly greater percentage of students in the clay modeling group "agreed" or "strongly agreed" with positive statements about their respective technique. These results indicate that clay modeling and cat dissection are equally effective in achieving student learning outcomes for certain systems in undergraduate human anatomy. Furthermore, clay modeling appears to be the preferred technique based on students' subjective perceptions of value to their learning experience.     

MOOC-CBL教学模式在腔镜甲状腺外科临床教学中的效果评价

目的 探讨慕课(Massive Open Online Course,MOOC)-病例为基础(Case-Based Learning,CBL)的教学模式在甲状腺外科临床教学中的应用效果.方法 选择甲状腺外科临床实习的40名外科研究生作为研究对象,按照教学方式的不同分为实验组(A组)和对照组(B组),每组20名.A组采用...     

Using manipulatives to improve learning in the undergraduate neurophysiology curriculum

Educational research has demonstrated that the use of concrete objects or manipulatives in the classroom enhances problem-solving skills and conceptual learning. This project examines the use of manipulatives in a neurophysiology curriculum and assesses their effectiveness on student comprehension. Three activities, building an ion channel, building a nerve cell, and passive membrane properties, were developed using modeling clay and beads as manipulatives. Their effect on learning was assessed in a neurobiology class that had been divided into an experimental group that worked with manipulative-based activities and a control group that did not. After the experimental group had completed the manipulative activity, both groups were given a quiz. Students who had used manipulatives scored significantly better than those who had not. In a second study, students were given a quiz before and after completing a manipulative activity. Students who had used manipulatives showed the greatest grade improvement. These studies suggest that manipulative activities can be used to enhance learning in the neurophysiology curriculum.     

The effect of case teaching on meaningful and retentive learning when studying genetic engineering

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of case teaching on how students learn about genetic engineering, in terms of meaningful learning and retention of learning. The study was designed as quasi-experimental research including 63 8th graders (28 boys and 35 girls). To collect data, genetic engineering achievement tests were developed by the researchers and concept maps (CMs) were used. In the study, the experimental group (n = 31) experienced case teaching, while the comparison group (n = 32) experienced ordinary teaching. To analyse the data from achievement test scores, the Wilcoxon signed-rank test and the Mann–Whitney U test were used. In analysis of the CMs, the number of concepts, number of connecting phrases, number of examples used in the maps and shape of the maps were determined. The analyses showed that the mean achievement scores of the groups significantly differed in favour of the experimental group. Also, retention of the learning in the experimental group was observed. The number of concepts used in CMs did not significantly differ, while the number of connecting phrases in both groups differed significantly in favour of the experimental group. In addition, the students in the experimental group changed their initial hierarchical maps into branched maps, indicating more connection to other concepts.     

Veterinary science student preferences for the source of dog cadavers used in anatomy teaching

Live animals and cadavers are integral to veterinary education. In the year of this survey (2008), and in at least the five preceding years, cadavers obtained by euthanasia of healthy pound dogs and ex-racing greyhounds were dissected by students, during their veterinary anatomy classes at the University of Queensland School of Veterinary Science. Students may have ethical concerns about this. An alternative approach was to use donated dog cadavers. These are owned pet dogs that have died of natural causes or have been euthanised for medical reasons, and have been donated by their owners for the purposes of veterinary education. Veterinary students at the School were surveyed in 2008, in order to determine their preferences for cadaver source. Data from 406 questionnaires were analysed. Third-year and fifth-year veterinary students were more likely than first-year students to prefer pound-dog/greyhound cadavers over donated cadavers for anatomy dissection (p ≤ 0.002). Between 32% and 45% of the students had no preference for either source of cadaver. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that veterinary students become more accepting of the euthanasia of unwanted healthy animals for education as they progress through the veterinary programme, in contexts such as the current study. This could occur due to increased acceptance of the euthanasia of healthy animals generally, a decline in moral development, desensitisation, and/or the belief that healthy animal cadavers offer a superior learning experience.     

PBL教学法在肾科临床见习中的应用

目的：探讨以问题为基础的教学法（Problem Based learning,PBL）在肾科临床见习教学中的应用价值。方法：首都医科大学宣武医院63名参加内科学肾脏病临床见习的七年制学生随机分成对照组和观察组,对照组采用传统的基于授课的教学法进行教学,观察组用PBL教学法进行教学,比较2组学习成绩的差异;向学生发放问卷调查,调查学生对2种教学方法的认可程度。结果：2组学生的填空题、选择题及简答题成绩比较无显著性差异（P〉0.05）;观察组病例分析题成绩好于对照组（P=0.001）;培养临床思维、激发学习兴趣方面和自主学习能力方面PBL教学法优于传统教学法（P〈0.01）。结论：PBL教学法有助于学生临床思维和临床技能的培养,从而使教学质量得到提高。     

CBL教学模式在细胞研究进展教学中的应用效果

目的:探讨案例式教学(CBL)教学模式在细胞研究进展教学中的应用效果。方法:选择我校2013~2015级选修"细胞研究进展"的学生80人为研究对象,按选修课程时间的不同分为实验组及常规组各40例。常规组实施传统的教学模式(LBL),实验组实施CBL教学模式,调查两组学生的教学效果并比较两组学生考试得分情况。结果:实验组学生分析问题的能力、临床思维的建立、课堂积极性及教学满意度得分均高于常规组,差异均有统计学意义(P0.05)。实验组学生临床案例分析及临床操作能力得分均高于常规组,差异均有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论:对选修细胞研究进展课程的学生采用CBL模式进行教学,有助于其建立临床思维,提高临床操作能力,提高学生对教学的满意度。     

多媒体技术在人体解剖学教学实践中的作用

目的：探讨多媒体技术应用于在医学高等院校人体解剖学专业课程中的意义,以及该教学策略对生物医学教学实践的作用。方法：选取我院校本部学生80人,随机分为实验组和对照组,每组40人。实验组采取多媒体教学法,对照组则采用传统教学法。比较两组学生的期末考试成绩,并在假期对两组学生进行问卷调查,分析调查结果。结果：①期末测试结果：实验组学生的期末考试平均分为88.3,对照组学生的期末考试平均分为68．9,实验组明显优于对照组,差异具有统计学意义（P〈0．05）;②问卷调查结果：实验组92．28％的学生认为教学能够提高学习主动性,而对照组为69．36％;实验组88．61％的学生认为教学有助于提升对课程内容的理解,而对照组为66．19％;实验组93．45％的学生认为教学促进师生互动,而对照组为67．64％;实验组72．75％的学生认为教学可增强团队合作精神,而对照组为46．73％。实验组的调查结果明显优于对照组,差异具有统计学意义（P〈0．05）。结论：将多媒体技术引入人体解剖学课程的教学实践中,能够更好的帮助学生掌握人体解剖学的理论体系,提升教学质量,提高学生的专业知识水平。     

Human clay models versus cat dissection: how the similarity between the classroom and the exam affects student performance

This study examined the effect of different anatomic representations on student learning in a human anatomy class studying the muscular system. Specifically, we examined the efficacy of using dissected cats (with and without handouts) compared with clay sculpting of human structures. Ten undergraduate laboratory sections were assigned to three treatment groups: cat dissection only, cat dissection with handouts, and human clay sculpting with handouts. Exams included higher-order questions that presented novel anatomic images and scenarios that the students did not practice in class. The higher-order anatomy exam questions varied the degree to which students in the different treatments had to transform the anatomic representation studied during laboratory activities to match the representation used in the exam questions. In this respect, exam questions manipulated the similarity between the surface features of the anatomic representations used in the classroom versus the exam. When identifying anatomic structures presented in a photograph or diagram, student performance improved significantly when transformation demands decreased, i.e., students in the human clay sculpting treatment group performed best on human anatomy questions and students in the cat dissection treatment group performed better on cat anatomy questions (independent of the use of handouts). There were similar, but nonsignificant, trends when students were asked functional anatomy questions presented in human and cat contexts. On survey questions designed to measure student attitudes about dissection versus nonanimal alternatives, students typically preferred the method used in their treatment group, suggesting that student preference is too fluid to factor into curricular decisions. When designing curricula, instructors must choose anatomic representations that support their course goals. Human representations are most effective when teaching the human muscular system.     

基于BOPPPS的混合式教学模式在生物化学中的应用

随着互联网时代的到来,大规模开放式在线课程(慕课,MOOC)为教育改革提供了新的研究思路和方向。为了提高生物化学的学习效果,本文结合该课程知识点杂而多、理论性强和学生学习兴趣不高的特点,设计了一种基于BOPPPS教学的线上线下混合式教学模式,并在生物化学课程中进行了实践。BOPPPS中的情景案例激发了学生的学习兴趣,逐层递进的课堂练习让学生沉醉其中。研究结果表明,体验过混合式学习的学生与通过传统学习方式学习的学生相比,实验组学生对知识的理解深度明显好于对照组,在学习效果上也存在显著差异(P<0.05),试验组学生的平均成绩(81.13)比对照组学生的平均成绩(76.21)提升5分左右。问卷调查结果显示,与传统教学模式相比,学生更愿意接受新的教学模式,并愿意在未来的学期里支持继续使用新型的教学模式。学生认为,能从新的教学模式学到比传统的授课形式要多的知识,而且新的教学模式还促进了团队合作能力,提高了学生的学习兴趣,学生课前愿意花费较长时间自主预习。该方法激发了学生的学习主动性,促进了学生更好地学习。