AJP: Advances in Physiology Education This is an RSS file. You can use it to subscribe to this data in your favourite RSS reader or to display this data on your own website or blog.

Using ultrasound to teach medical students cardiac physiology
In this study, 20 medical students took a pretest to assess their background knowledge of cardiac physiology. Next, they acquired ultrasound video loops of the heart. Faculty members taught them nonelectrical aspects of cardiac physiology using those loops. Finally, students took a posttest to evaluate for improvements in their knowledge. Students also completed an anonymous questionnaire about their experience. The mean pretest score was 4.8 of 9 (53.3%). The mean posttest score was 7.35 of 9 (81.7%). The mean difference was significant at P < 0.0001. Student feedback was very positive about the ultrasound laboratory. ...
Source: AJP: Advances in Physiology Education - December 1, 2015 Category: Universities & Medical Training Authors: Bell, F. E., Wilson, L. B., Hoppmann, R. A. Tags: HOW WE TEACH: CLASSROOM AND LABORATORY RESEARCH PROJECTS Source Type: research

A multidisciplinary guided practical on type I diabetes engaging students in inquiry-based learning
In the present article, we describe a 3-day experimental workshop on type I diabetes aimed at helping high school students to understand how fundamental research on glycemia regulation contributes to the development of scientific knowledge and therapeutic strategies. The workshop engaged students in open-ended investigations and guided experiments. Each class was divided into three or four groups, with each group working with a trained doctoral student or postdoctoral fellow. During an initial questioning phase, students observed slides depicting the glycemia of individuals in various situations. Students identified hyperg...
Source: AJP: Advances in Physiology Education - December 1, 2015 Category: Universities & Medical Training Authors: Mingueneau, M., Chaix, A., Scotti, N., Chaix, J., Reynders, A., Hammond, C., Thimonier, J. Tags: HOW WE TEACH: CLASSROOM AND LABORATORY RESEARCH PROJECTS Source Type: research

Correlation of self-assessment with attendance in an evidence-based medicine course
In previous studies, correlations between attendance and grades in lectures have given variable results and, when statistically significant, the correlation has been weak. In some studies, a sex effect has been reported. Lectures are a teacher-centered learning activity. Therefore, it appeared interesting to evaluate if a stronger correlation between attendance and grades would occur in a face-to-face "evidence-based medicine" course with few lectures and more time dedicated to active learning methods. Small-group work and peer learning were used to foster deep learning and to engage students in their own learning process....
Source: AJP: Advances in Physiology Education - December 1, 2015 Category: Universities & Medical Training Authors: Ramirez, B. U. Tags: HOW WE TEACH: CLASSROOM AND LABORATORY RESEARCH PROJECTS Source Type: research

Two-compartment model as a teaching tool for cholesterol homeostasis
Cholesterol is a vital structural and functional molecule in the human body that is only slightly soluble in water and therefore does not easily travels by itself in the bloodstream. To enable cholesterol's targeted delivery to cells and tissues, it is encapsulated by different fractions of lipoproteins, complex particles containing both proteins and lipids. Maintaining cholesterol homeostasis is a highly regulated process with multiple factors acting at both molecular and tissue levels. Furthermore, to regulate the circulatory transport of cholesterol in lipoproteins, the amount of cholesterol present depends on and is co...
Source: AJP: Advances in Physiology Education - December 1, 2015 Category: Universities & Medical Training Authors: Wrona, A., Balbus, J., Hrydziuszko, O., Kubica, K. Tags: HOW WE TEACH: CLASSROOM AND LABORATORY RESEARCH PROJECTS Source Type: research

PowerPoint presentation in learning physiology by undergraduates with different learning styles
PowerPoint presentations (PPTs) have become routine in medical colleges because of their flexible and varied presentation capabilities. Research indicates that students prefer PPTs over the chalk-and-talk method, and there is a lot of debate over advantages and disadvantages of PPTs. However, there is no clear evidence that PPTs improve student learning/performance. Furthermore, there are a variety of learning styles with sex differences in classrooms. It is the responsibility of teacher/facilitator and student to be aware of learning style preferences to improve learning. The present study asked the following research que...
Source: AJP: Advances in Physiology Education - December 1, 2015 Category: Universities & Medical Training Authors: Ankad, R. B., GV, S., Herur, A., R, M., Chinagudi, S., Patil, S. Tags: HOW WE TEACH: CLASSROOM AND LABORATORY RESEARCH PROJECTS Source Type: research

Taking nanomedicine teaching into practice with atomic force microscopy and force spectroscopy
Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is a useful and powerful tool to study molecular interactions applied to nanomedicine. The aim of the present study was to implement a hands-on atomic AFM course for graduated biosciences and medical students. The course comprises two distinct practical sessions, where students get in touch with the use of an atomic force microscope by performing AFM scanning images of human blood cells and force spectroscopy measurements of the fibrinogen-platelet interaction. Since the beginning of this course, in 2008, the overall rating by the students was 4.7 (out of 5), meaning a good to excellent evalua...
Source: AJP: Advances in Physiology Education - December 1, 2015 Category: Universities & Medical Training Authors: Carvalho, F. A., Freitas, T., Santos, N. C. Tags: HOW WE TEACH: CLASSROOM AND LABORATORY RESEARCH PROJECTS Source Type: research

Redox signaling in skeletal muscle: role of aging and exercise
Skeletal muscle contraction is associated with the production of ROS due to altered O2 distribution and flux in the cell. Despite a highly efficient antioxidant defense, a small surplus of ROS, such as hydrogen peroxide and nitric oxide, may serve as signaling molecules to stimulate cellular adaptation to reach new homeostasis largely due to the activation of redox-sensitive signaling pathways. Recent research has highlighted the important role of NF-B, MAPK, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor- coactivator-1α, along with other newly discovered signaling pathways, in some of the most vital biological funct...
Source: AJP: Advances in Physiology Education - December 1, 2015 Category: Universities & Medical Training Authors: Ji, L. L. Tags: HOW WE TEACH: CLASSROOM AND LABORATORY RESEARCH PROJECTS Source Type: research

Evaluating the effectiveness of a laboratory-based professional development program for science educators
The process of developing effective science educators has been a long-standing objective of the broader education community. Numerous studies have recommended not only depth in a teacher's subject area but also a breadth of professional development grounded in constructivist principles, allowing for successful student-centered and inquiry-based instruction. Few programs, however, have addressed the integration of the scientific research laboratory into the science classroom as a viable approach to professional development. Additionally, while occasional laboratory training programs have emerged in recent years, many lack a...
Source: AJP: Advances in Physiology Education - December 1, 2015 Category: Universities & Medical Training Authors: Amolins, M. W., Ezrailson, C. M., Pearce, D. A., Elliott, A. J., Vitiello, P. F. Tags: HOW WE TEACH: GENERALIZABLE EDUCATION RESEARCH Source Type: research

The effectiveness of concept mapping and retrieval practice as learning strategies in an undergraduate physiology course
Concept mapping and retrieval practice are both educational methods that have separately been reported to provide significant benefits for learning in diverse settings. Concept mapping involves diagramming a hierarchical representation of relationships between distinct pieces of information, whereas retrieval practice involves retrieving information that was previously coded into memory. The relative benefits of these two methods have never been tested against each other in a classroom setting. Our study was designed to investigate whether or not concept mapping or retrieval practice produced a significant learning benefit...
Source: AJP: Advances in Physiology Education - December 1, 2015 Category: Universities & Medical Training Authors: Burdo, J., O'Dwyer, L. Tags: HOW WE TEACH: GENERALIZABLE EDUCATION RESEARCH Source Type: research

Open problem-based instruction impacts understanding of physiological concepts differently in undergraduate students
Student populations are diverse such that different types of learners struggle with traditional didactic instruction. Problem-based learning has existed for several decades, but there is still controversy regarding the optimal mode of instruction to ensure success at all levels of students' past achievement. The present study addressed this problem by dividing students into the following three instructional groups for an upper-level course in animal physiology: traditional lecture-style instruction (LI), guided problem-based instruction (GPBI), and open problem-based instruction (OPBI). Student performance was measured by ...
Source: AJP: Advances in Physiology Education - December 1, 2015 Category: Universities & Medical Training Authors: Franklin, B. M., Xiang, L., Collett, J. A., Rhoads, M. K., Osborn, J. L. Tags: HOW WE TEACH: GENERALIZABLE EDUCATION RESEARCH Source Type: research

On being examined: do students and faculty agree?
Students measure out their lives, not with coffee spoons, but with grades on examinations. But what exams mean and whether or not they are a bane or a boon is moot. Senior undergraduates (A. Perrella, J. Koenig, and H. Kwon) designed and administered a 15-item survey that explored the contrasting perceptions of both students (n = 526) and faculty members (n = 33) in a 4-yr undergraduate health sciences program. A series of statements gauged the level of agreement on a 10-point scale. Students and faculty members agreed on the value of assessing student learning with a variety of methods, finding new information to solve pr...
Source: AJP: Advances in Physiology Education - December 1, 2015 Category: Universities & Medical Training Authors: Perrella, A., Koenig, J., Kwon, H., Nastos, S., Rangachari, P. K. Tags: HOW WE TEACH: GENERALIZABLE EDUCATION RESEARCH Source Type: research

Medical student service learning program teaches secondary students about career opportunities in health and medical fields
Engagement of academic medical centers in community outreach provides the public with a better understanding of basic terms and concepts used in biomedical sciences and increases awareness of important health information. Medical students at one academic medical center initiated an educational outreach program, called PULSE, that targets secondary students to foster their interest in healthcare and medicine. High school student participants are engaged in a semester-long course that relies on interactive lectures, problem-based learning sessions, mentoring relationships with medical students, and opportunities for shadowin...
Source: AJP: Advances in Physiology Education - December 1, 2015 Category: Universities & Medical Training Authors: Karpa, K., Vakharia, K., Caruso, C. A., Vechery, C., Sipple, L., Wang, A. Tags: HOW WE TEACH: GENERALIZABLE EDUCATION RESEARCH Source Type: research

Self-testing produces superior recall of both familiar and unfamiliar muscle information
Dozens of studies have found learning strategies based on the "testing effect" promote greater recall than those that rely solely on reading; however, the advantages of testing are often only observed after a delay (e.g., 2–7 days later). In contrast, our research, which has focused on kinesiology students learning kinesiology information that is generally familiar to them, has consistently demonstrated that testing-based strategies produce greater recall both immediately and after a delay. In an attempt to understand the discrepancies in the literature, the purpose of the present study was to determine if the time-r...
Source: AJP: Advances in Physiology Education - December 1, 2015 Category: Universities & Medical Training Authors: Dobson, J. L., Linderholm, T., Yarbrough, M. B. Tags: HOW WE TEACH: GENERALIZABLE EDUCATION RESEARCH Source Type: research

Establishing common course objectives for undergraduate exercise physiology
In conclusion, it is up to exercise physiologists to ensure quality of knowledge and practice. Doing so will improve the uniformity and quality of practitioners within the various kinesiology/exercise science fields and increase the value of a Kinesiology/Exercise Science degree and set it apart from other healthcare providers and fitness professionals. (Source: AJP: Advances in Physiology Education)
Source: AJP: Advances in Physiology Education - December 1, 2015 Category: Universities & Medical Training Authors: Simonson, S. R. Tags: HOW WE TEACH: GENERALIZABLE EDUCATION RESEARCH Source Type: research

Matters of taste: bridging molecular physiology and the humanities
Taste perception was the focus of an undergraduate course in the health sciences that bridged the sciences and humanities. A problem-based learning approach was used to study the biological issues, whereas the cultural transmutations of these molecular mechanisms were explored using a variety of resources (novels, cookbooks, and films). Multiple evaluation procedures were used: problem summaries and problem-solving exercises (tripartite problem-solving exercise) for the problem-based learning component and group tasks and individual exercises for the cultural issues. Self-selected groups chose specific tasks from a prescri...
Source: AJP: Advances in Physiology Education - December 1, 2015 Category: Universities & Medical Training Authors: Rangachari, P. K., Rangachari, U. Tags: HOW WE TEACH: GENERALIZABLE EDUCATION RESEARCH Source Type: research