Emergency contraception and RU-486 (mifepristone): do bioethical discussions improve learning and retention?

Abstract

To systematically investigate whether the inclusion of a bioethical discussion improves the learning and retention of biological content, students in two sections of an introductory zoology class were taught the biology behind emergency contraception and RU-486. Students in one section of the course participated in a bioethical discussion, whereas students in the other section participated in a content-only discussion. Pre- and postsurveys, response paragraphs, and a final exam were collected and used to examine the learning and retention of content knowledge. Results suggested that students who participated in a bioethical discussion of emergency contraception and RU-486 learned and retained information better than students who received content-only instruction. Interestingly, students who participated in the bioethical discussion also appeared to be more confident in their answers. The results of this study may inform the teaching practices and goals of science educators who would like to incorporate a discussion of bioethical issues into their curriculum but often feel that content coverage is paramount.

Increasing student engagement via a combined roundtable discussion and flipped classroom curriculum model in an OT and special education classroom

“…Bonwell and Eison (1991) stated that for students to be engaged in active learning they need to "read, write, discuss, and solve problems while engaging in higher-order thinking skills. Bodensteiner (2012) suggested that students in courses that utilize discussion learned and retained information better and were more confident in their answers than students who received content-only instruction. Brookfield and Preskill (2005) argued that classroom discussions can make students co-creators of their learning and promote a democratic classroom.…”

Ulipristal Acetate: Critical Review About Endometrial and Ovulatory Effects in Emergency Contraception

“…Among these drugs, mifepristone has been proven effective even when taken up to 120 hours after intercourse. [24][25][26][27][28] The optimal dose of mifepristone for EC is 25 to 50 mg. 10 Many controversies, however, limit its widespread use. 27,29 The SPRMs, in fact, proved able to prevent the secretive differentiation of the endometrium and the shift of the maternal innate immune system to the condition of tolerance toward the embryo.…”

“…Among these drugs, mifepristone has been proven effective even when taken up to 120 hours after intercourse. 24 –28 The optimal dose of mifepristone for EC is 25 to 50 mg. 10…”