In the first part of this project, an expert teaching consultant from McMaster University (Hamilton, Ontario, Canada) was called upon to introduce and promote problem-based learning (PBL) in Physiology and Pathology with a special emphasis on a small group, self-directed approach. The situation for active learning in the two departments and the perception of the faculty and students on problem-...

THIS LETTER is intended to contribute to the discussion of active versus passive learning in physiology. Here are some thoughts for consideration: are we, as teachers, making a difference in the learning process? How do we ensure that we emphasize the acquisition of knowledge rather than short-term memorization? Considering the pertinent discussion regarding the quality of learning in physiolog...

A three-year study was conducted in search of a better method of teaching physiology that would enhance the critical thinking skills of first-year nursing students in Istanbul University, Florence Nightingale College of Nursing. Three different methods of teaching were used: 1) a straight lecture method, 2) an active method with no previous preparation of students, 3) an active method with prev...

s issues when available, $25.00. Subscribers to The Physiologist also receive abstracts of the Conferences of thes of the Conferences of the American Physiological Society. The American Physiological Society assumes no responsibility for the statements and opinions advanced by contributors to The Physiologist. Deadline for submission of material for publication: Jan. 10, February issue; March 1...

Reactivation of several model 5 (vacuum tube) Grass polygraphs for active hands-on laboratory experiments by small student groups, in contrast to demonstrations and pretaped illustrations of physiological principles, resulted in remarkable rejuvenation of interest and excitement for learning in premed and introductory science classes at Taylor University. Accurate and perceptive observations we...

In this article, we detail how to produce two inexpensive micromanipulators that offer high precision (approximately 25 microm) along a single axis of movement. The more expensive of the designs provides improved versatility along multiple axes. Both manipulators offer substantial savings over commercially available micromanipulators with comparable capabilities. Plans and instructions are give...

Pedagogy and andragogy are models of education based, respectively, on passive and active learning. This project compared two balanced sections of an undergraduate course in physiology. Both sections used the pedagogical method of didactic lectures to present basic material. Students in section 01 were given multiple-choice examinations, a pedagogical procedure, over the lecture content for the...

Bertrand PP, Bertrand RL. Teaching basic gastrointestinal physiology using classic papers by Dr. Walter B. Cannon. Adv Physiol Educ 31: 136–139, 2007; doi:10.1152/advan.00112.2006.—The movements of the gastrointestinal tract, as described by Walter B. Cannon 100 years ago, reveal much about the functions of this unique organ and how it is controlled by the body. Two classic papers by Cannon pro...

The educational experience in pathological physiology at the First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague shows that physiology and pathological physiology are closely related to physics, biochemistry and other technical disciplines which medical students are not used to. Deep understanding of physiological systems and regulations is very hard to achieve only by studying textbooks wi...

Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) consists of 47 countries with a population of 910 million (http:/worldbank.org/region/SSA). There are presently 168 Medical Schools in SSA, with 26 in Nigeria and 8 in the Republic of South Africa (3). SSA is plagued by multifarious factors that present an uphill task to achieving acceptable milestones to developmental objectives. The region contains the largest number ...