A student-centered approach for developing active learning: the construction of physical models as a teaching tool in medical physiology

Abstract

BackgroundTeaching physiology, a complex and constantly evolving subject, is not a simple task. A considerable body of knowledge about cognitive processes and teaching and learning methods has accumulated over the years, helping teachers to determine the most efficient way to teach, and highlighting student’s active participation as a means to improve learning outcomes. In this context, this paper describes and qualitatively analyzes an experience of a student-centered teaching-learning methodology based on the construction of physiological-physical models, focusing on their possible application in the practice of teaching physiology.MethodsAfter having Physiology classes and revising the literature, students, divided in small groups, built physiological-physical models predominantly using low-cost materials, for studying different topics in Physiology. Groups were followed by monitors and guided by teachers during the whole process, finally presenting the results in a Symposium on Integrative Physiology.ResultsAlong the proposed activities, students were capable of efficiently creating physiological-physical models (118 in total) highly representative of different physiological processes. The implementation of the proposal indicated that students successfully achieved active learning and meaningful learning in Physiology while addressing multiple learning styles.ConclusionThe proposed method has proved to be an attractive, accessible and relatively simple approach to facilitate the physiology teaching-learning process, while facing difficulties imposed by recent requirements, especially those relating to the use of experimental animals and professional training guidelines. Finally, students’ active participation in the production of knowledge may result in a holistic education, and possibly, better professional practices.

Using a Novel Student-centered Teaching Method to Improve Pharmacy Student Learning

“…Student-centered teaching has repeatedly been shown to be superior to the traditional teacher-centered approach to instruction, in which students could solve problems, cooperative learning, and inductive learning. [17][18][19][20] Inductive teaching, an effective method of linking theory with practice, involves students discussing questions and solving problems in class, with much of the work in and out of class being done by students learning in groups. 21,22 Student-centered teaching methods include active learning, which involves the student through participation and investment of energy in all three phases of the learning process (input, operations, and feedback) and better meets the needs of students with varying learning styles.…”

Teaching methodology used in the master’s degree programme for secondary education teacher training: student assessment

“…It shows positive perceptions of students towards an active and participatory methodology in the teaching and learning process (Kramarski & Michalsky, 2009;Rezende et al, 2014), although traditional approaches are still used in higher education teaching (Sáez & Ruiz, 2012;Medina et al, 2011).…”

“…The focus has been shifted towards student activity and their learning (Padilla & Gil, 2008;Pozo & Pérez, 2009) through the development of strategies that promote the active participation of students and techniques for independent and self-regulated learning in more flexible working environments (Kramarski & Michalsky, 2009;Rezende, Fonseca, Nunes, Da Silva, & Antas, 2014).…”

Apresentação de resultados de pesquisas científicas como estratégia para aumentar o interesse dos alunos em fisiologia

“…Neste sentido, a análise sobre a aprendizagem das ciências tem contribuído para obtenção de melhores práticas educativas e há uma constante busca por métodos inovadores que possam ser usados como auxiliares para a educação atual [3,4], e, assim, promover a utilização de ferramentas diferentes, visando estimular novas formas de pensar e aprender. Além das aulas teóricas expositivas, algumas disciplinas, como a fisiologia incluem aulas práticas em seu currículo acadêmico.…”

“…A Fisiologia Humana estuda as funções biológicas dos diferentes órgãos e sistemas corporais, ou seja, como funciona o nosso organismo, sendo a introdução para disciplinas profissionalizantes [5] e pode ser considerada uma disciplina complexa e em constante transformação [4]. Ela está inserida no plano curricular de todos os cursos das áreas da saúde e ciências biológicas e estuda os mecanismos fisiológicos fundamentais para manutenção da homeostasia, sendo relacionada a outras disciplinas básicas do currículo, tais como bioquímica, farmacologia, genética, entre outras, o que permite que os alunos, futuros profissionais, estejam aptos a entender, interpretar e enfrentar diferentes situações clínicas na sua trajetória profissional.…”