ERIC Number: EJ1155409
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2017-Sep
Pages: 10
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0047-231X
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Research and Teaching: Integrating Lecture and Laboratory in Health Sciences Courses Improves Student Satisfaction and Performance
Finn, Kevin; FitzPatrick, Kathleen; Yan, Zi
Journal of College Science Teaching, v47 n1 p66-75 Sep 2017
Students often struggle in introductory health sciences courses; some students have difficulty in upper level classes. To address this, we converted three lecture/lab courses, traditional first-year Anatomy and Physiology (A&P I), upper level Biomechanics, and upper level Microbiology to an integrated studio model. We used the Student Assessment of Learning Gains perceptual survey to assess student and instructor reactions to the change and analyzed rates of unsatisfactory grades and quiz performance. Reaction (220 students, 15 instructors) to the new model was highly positive, and performance improvement was seen. Student perceptions were consistent across courses and agreed closely with instructor perceptions. Performance improvements were seen in reduced C-, D, F, W (Withdrawal) rates in A&P. There was no clear pattern in quiz performance, despite reduced in-class time. With typically high grades in upper level courses, we saw no change in performance in biomechanics, while student satisfaction was high in biomechanics and in microbiology. These results, with increased efficiency in staffing time and scheduling, have led us to convert all department lecture-lab courses to the studio format.
Descriptors: Health Sciences, Lecture Method, Student Satisfaction, Academic Achievement, Science Instruction, Introductory Courses, Biomechanics, Microbiology, Science Laboratories, College Science, Pretests Posttests, Physiology, Anatomy, College Students, Statistical Analysis, Student Surveys, Qualitative Research
National Science Teachers Association. 1840 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22201-3000. Tel: 800-722-6782; Fax: 703-243-3924; e-mail: membership@nsta.org; Web site: http://www.nsta.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Massachusetts
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A