Authors: James Schanandore, Sumei Liu, Christine Schwartz,
Ryan Stapley, Biology, UW La Crosse. Submission Date: May 20, 2017
Course Title: Human Anatomy and Physiology Laboratory I
Course Description: The Human Anatomy and Physiology I (BIO 312) is the first course in a two-semester course series of Human Anatomy and Physiology (BIO312/BIO313) that serves over 400 students per semester, mostly sophomore and junior students with an interest in health professions. The laboratory is an important component of the course series. The lesson study was conducted in the BIO 312 laboratory during weeks 6-9 of the fall 2016 semester, which covered the neuroanatomy lab. In this lab, students learned structures of the brain, spinal cord, cranial and spinal nerves. Historically, students have had difficulty understanding the different levels of brain organization. Incorporating a team- based learning (TBL) module into this lab has the potential to engage students during the lab period, encourage teamwork and discussion, and allow the instructor to provide immediate feedback on any confusion the students may have.
Abstract: Students in the Human Anatomy and Physiology Laboratory at UWL are responsible for learning a large amount of material, particularly in the neuroanatomy lab. TBL is an active learning approach that has potential to engage students, allow instructors to provide immediate feedback, and help students to learn anatomy effectively. We conducted a lesson study using TBL in the neuroanatomy lab, which included both individual and group activities, along with pre-lab and post-lab assessment. Students achieved higher mean post-test scores two weeks after the TBL module compared to the pre-test scores (p<0.001). In addition, students in the TBL group achieved higher mean scores in the unit lab practical examination and the neuroanatomy-specific questions within the lab practical (p<0.001). Importantly, feedback from outside observers and student surveys indicated positive attitudes about TBL. We concluded that incorporating more TBL modules in this course may help engage students, encourage teamwork, help students learn laboratory materials, and potentially improve student performance.
Using Team–based Learning to Teach Neuroanatomy in Human Anatomy and Physiology Laboratory