Directed Case Study Method for Teaching Human Anatomy and Physiology.
Cliff, William H. and Ann W. Wright.
Department of Biology, Niagara University, Niagara University, NY
14109.
APStracts 2:0004S, 1995.
ABSTRACT
A mastery of human anatomy and physiology requires a familiarity with a vast
number of details about the human body. A directed method of case analysis is
described that helps students deepen and solidify their understanding of
anatomical and physiological facts, concepts and principles. The successful
case had four distinctive features: clear learning objectives, a concise and
informative scenario, straightforward and didactic questions, and an emphasis
on information readily available to the student. A directed case study is
presented and its salient features are described. A procedure for integrating
case analyses into an undergraduate anatomy and physiology course is outlined.
Student response to this type of case study suggests that this method improves
the ease of learning, the depth of learning, an appreciation of the relevance
of and a curiosity about anatomy and physiology. The addition of case analyses
to a two semester, integrated course in anatomy and physiology was also
associated with an improvement in exam performance. The regular use of
directed case analysis is a valuable addition to the traditional methods of
lecture, textbook reading and laboratory for teaching of human anatomy and
physiology.
Received 26 June 1995; accepted in final form 7 February 1996.
APS Manuscript Number S0015-5.
Article publication pending Advances in Physiology Education.
ISSN 1080-4757 Copyright 1996 The American Physiological Society.
Published in APStracts on 20 March 96