Using design thinking to create and implement a 3D digital library of anatomical specimens.

Design thinking (DT) is a five-stage process (empathize, define, ideate, prototype, and test) that guides the creation of user-centered solutions to complex problems. DT is in common use outside of science but has rarely been applied to anatomical education. The use of DT in this study identified the need for flexible access to anatomical specimens outside of the anatomy laboratory and guided the creation of a digital library of three-dimensional (3D) anatomical specimens (3D Anatomy Viewer). To test whether the resource was fit for purpose, a mixed-methods student evaluation was undertaken. Student surveys (n = 46) were employed using the system usability scale (SUS) and an unvalidated acceptability questionnaire. These verified that 3D Anatomy Viewer was usable (SUS of 72%) and acceptable (agreement range of 77%-93% on all Likert-type survey statements, Cronbach's alpha = 0.929). Supplementary interviews (n = 5) were analyzed through content analysis and revealed three main themes: (1) a credible online supplementary learning resource; (2) learning anatomy with 3D realism and interactivity; (3) user recommendations for expanding the number of anatomical models, test questions, and gamification elements. These data demonstrate that a DT framework can be successfully applied to anatomical education for creation of a practical learning resource. Anatomy educators should consider employing a DT framework where student-centered solutions to learner needs are required.

Harnessing open science practices to teach ecology and evolutionary biology using interactive tutorials.

Open science skills are increasingly important for a career in ecology and evolutionary biology (EEB) as efforts to make data and analyses publicly available continue to become more commonplace. While learning core concepts in EEB, students are also expected to gain skills in conducting open science to prepare for future careers. Core open science skills like programming, data sharing, and practices that promote reproducibility can be taught to undergraduate students alongside core concepts in EEB. Yet, these skills are not always taught in biology undergraduate programs, and a major challenge in developing open science skills and learning EEB concepts simultaneously is the high cognitive load associated with learning multiple disparate concepts at the same time. One solution is to provide students with easily digestible, scaffolded, pre-formatted code in the form of vignettes and interactive tutorials. Here, we present six open source teaching tutorials for undergraduate students in EEB. These tutorials teach fundamental ecological concepts, data literacy, programming (using R software), and analysis skills using publicly available datasets while introducing students to open science concepts and tools. Spanning a variety of EEB topics and skill levels, these tutorials serve as examples and resources for educators to integrate open science tools, programming, and data literacy into teaching EEB at the undergraduate level.

The neuroscience of active learning and direct instruction.

Throughout the educational system, students experiencing active learning pedagogy perform better and fail less than those taught through direct instruction. Can this be ascribed to differences in learning from a neuroscientific perspective? This review examines mechanistic, neuroscientific evidence that might explain differences in cognitive engagement contributing to learning outcomes between these instructional approaches. In classrooms, direct instruction comprehensively describes academic content, while active learning provides structured opportunities for learners to explore, apply, and manipulate content. Synaptic plasticity and its modulation by arousal or novelty are central to all learning and both approaches. As a form of social learning, direct instruction relies upon working memory. The reinforcement learning circuit, associated agency, curiosity, and peer-to-peer social interactions combine to enhance motivation, improve retention, and build higher-order-thinking skills in active learning environments. When working memory becomes overwhelmed, additionally engaging the reinforcement learning circuit improves retention, providing an explanation for the benefits of active learning. This analysis provides a mechanistic examination of how emerging neuroscience principles might inform pedagogical choices at all educational levels.

Understanding operon architecture using LEGO bricks.

Many undergraduates struggle to interpret abstract concepts in molecular biology. Modeling can facilitate learning by making these abstract concepts tangible. Here, we present an exercise based on the lac operon designed for undergraduate students using LEGO bricks. The lac operon is a classic example of transcriptional regulation taught in a variety of undergraduate biology courses and is fundamental to understanding the regulation of gene expression. This easy-to-implement active learning exercise demonstrates how the various components of the lac operon are oriented under a variety of nutritional conditions to control gene expression. In addition, higher-order concepts, such as the effect of mutation on lac operon expression, can be readily modeled. Overall, students not only found this exercise to be enjoyable but also helpful as a tool to engage with this course material.

Exploring the Effectiveness of Problem-Based Learning in an International Undergraduate Program in Veterinary Sciences: Students' Satisfaction, Experience and Learning.

The systematic evaluation of the integration of problem-based learning (PBL) into educational programs in Italy is scarce and there are no published reports of its use in an Italian Bachelor of Veterinary Science degree program. This paper aims to assess the satisfaction of second-year students on an international Bachelor of Veterinary Science degree program after implementing two weeks of PBL with a multidisciplinary approach. Moreover, the impact of this methodological approach on the students' performance and their perceptions concerning their learning experience was investigated. The results showed that students expressed a high level of satisfaction and a positive attitude towards learning through PBL. A significant increase in the perception of students' soft skills was also found, based on self-evaluation. Moreover, a significant improvement was seen in the students' perception of their learning and teaching experiences and general life competencies, assessed using the validated questionnaire HowULearn. Negative effects were also identified, requiring further design modification of the tutors' feedback and pedagogical orchestration. Based on our findings, when planning bachelor's degree programs in veterinary science, PBL modules or activities should be considered to promote active learning, engagement among students, and the improvement of problem-solving and team-working skills.

An idea to explore: Introduction of "biochemical tales" in medical education-Learning made fun.

Innovations in medical education, including the integration of narrative-based tales, are transforming the way complex biochemical concepts are taught and understood. In this "Idea to Explore", the essence of integrating tales that personify molecules and depict biochemical processes as engaging stories to enhance student engagement, promote active learning, and improve knowledge retention is discussed. It also explores the effectiveness of scientific discovery games and traditional scientific stories in deepening students' interest in biochemistry. Highlighting the potential of narrative methods to make biochemistry more accessible and engaging, educators are encouraged to adopt creative teaching tools that promote critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills, thereby inspiring active participation, and lifelong learning in biochemistry.

How Distributed Leadership Affects Social and Emotional Competence in Adolescents: The Chain Mediating Role of Student-Centered Instructional Practices and Teacher Self-Efficacy.

The social and emotional competence of adolescents serves as the cornerstone for their success and future development. This study aims to explore the impact of distributed leadership on the social and emotional competence of adolescents, examining the mediating roles of student-centered teaching practices and teacher self-efficacy. Utilizing survey data from 7246 Chinese adolescents in the SESS project, the study employs a multi-level structural equation modeling approach for data analysis. The results indicate that distributed leadership positively predicts the social and emotional competence of adolescents. Furthermore, distributed leadership exerts indirect effects on adolescents' social and emotional competence through the independent mediating roles of student-centered teaching practices and teacher self-efficacy, as well as a sequential mediation process involving student-centered teaching practices leading to teacher self-efficacy. This study elucidates how distributed leadership facilitates the development of adolescents' social and emotional competence, confirming the supportive factors influencing these crucial capacities. Simultaneously, it provides valuable insights into the daily practices of teachers, principals, and administrators.

Dissociative Identity Disorder in Schools Part II.

Dissociation is a well-established outcome of early life trauma, but school nurses may not be aware of resources and recommendations available to support students who experience it. If dissociation or behaviors consistent with dissociation are present, trauma-informed care (TIC) principles can guide individualized care of the student. Part I of this two-part article provided a pertinent background on dissociation, dissociative identity disorder (DID), the effects of social media, and TIC. Part II offers specific recommendations for implementing these principles in school nursing practice and follows the student vignette through the school year. Due to their holistic approach to care and long-standing leadership in providing TIC, nurses can significantly affect health, safety, and access to learning for students expressing dissociative experiences at school.

Dissociative Identity Disorder in Schools Part I.

Dissociation is a normal life adaptation that can become pronounced and disruptive in the setting of repeated or extreme exposure to trauma. Children and adolescents may experience dissociation due to a trauma or stressor-related disorder, anxiety, or depressive disorders. Children and adolescents also may mimic behavior they see online as a way of expressing internally painful and intolerable experiences. Myth and misinformation surround the diagnosis of dissociative identity disorder (DID), formerly multiple personality disorder. The purpose of this article is to provide school nurses with evidence-based information on DID and resources for practice regarding how to provide a secure, consistent approach to students who are being traumatized, misunderstood, or excluded at home or at school. Part 1 of this two-part series describes DID foundations and DID in school-aged children, reviews controversy spurred by social media representation, and presents the Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) model. TIC offers useful perspectives regardless of a student's presentation or diagnostic status. Part 2 will discuss recommendations for managing dissociative presentations using a team-based approach, focusing on the school nurse's roles and responsibilities.

The use of instructional videos to compensate for flexible physiology learning during the pandemic of COVID 19.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed at using instructional videos in physiology created by students to improve the process of learning Physiology especially during the COVID-19 Pandemic which enforced the lectures to be online. Additionally, it allowed students to visualize and understand clinical scenarios and the physiological reasons behind them while assessing how much they stand to gain from the experience. METHODS: This study is a project to implement FAIMER, ASU MENA-FRI Institute, Cairo, Egypt. In a foundation course for first-year medical students, the instructor utilized a variety of instructional methods including lecture, small group discussion, individual assignments, and reflection. Students were randomly allocated into 18 groups, then a topic in their physiology curriculum was chosen and they formulated a related case scenario, thereafter a video was made by themselves. This intervention was rewarded by activity mark in their course. Post-project questionnaire was used, and an external reviewer evaluated the videos presented by students. This study obtained IRB approval from the Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams Medical Ethics committee. RESULTS: the project helped students to improve their skills in problem-solving, teamwork, active learning, communication, planning, and time management. In addition, it also increased their confidence in their abilities to learn, face unexpected challenges, and achieve goals, while considering new life opportunities, those which became an option when the students searched by themselves and learned more about the different angles of medicine. CONCLUSION: Compared to the traditional lecture format that focuses on memorizing definitions and theoretical structures, instructional videos can be regarded as an innovative teaching tool and a unique medical education method that allowed students to participate more in the learning process even if their lectures were online. This article proposes an active learning method in undergraduate medical education which compensate for limited face-to-face attended during the pandemic.

Utilizing decision tree machine model to map dental students' preferred learning styles with suitable instructional strategies.

BACKGROUND: Growing demand for student-centered learning (SCL) has been observed in higher education settings including dentistry. However, application of SCL in dental education is limited. Hence, this study aimed to facilitate SCL application in dentistry utilising a decision tree machine learning (ML) technique to map dental students' preferred learning styles (LS) with suitable instructional strategies (IS) as a promising approach to develop an IS recommender tool for dental students. METHODS: A total of 255 dental students in Universiti Malaya completed the modified Index of Learning Styles (m-ILS) questionnaire containing 44 items which classified them into their respective LS. The collected data, referred to as dataset, was used in a decision tree supervised learning to automate the mapping of students' learning styles with the most suitable IS. The accuracy of the ML-empowered IS recommender tool was then evaluated. RESULTS: The application of a decision tree model in the automation process of the mapping between LS (input) and IS (target output) was able to instantly generate the list of suitable instructional strategies for each dental student. The IS recommender tool demonstrated perfect precision and recall for overall model accuracy, suggesting a good sensitivity and specificity in mapping LS with IS. CONCLUSION: The decision tree ML empowered IS recommender tool was proven to be accurate at matching dental students' learning styles with the relevant instructional strategies. This tool provides a workable path to planning student-centered lessons or modules that potentially will enhance the learning experience of the students.

A cord of four strands: Perspective of pre-medical and medical students on combined teaching modalities in undergraduate biochemistry.

Despite being a traditional coursework for pre-medical and medical students around the globe, biochemistry education suffers from a lack of positive appreciation due to the nature of the subject combined with deficiency of teaching modalities. A first semester biochemistry course was designed to include four different teaching modalities: lectures, recitations, case studies, and student presentations. A multi-item, anonymous, and voluntary questionnaire was distributed to students who had just completed the course and to those who had taken it the previous year. The questionnaire asked students to evaluate the course and how the different modalities affected their learning. These questionnaires took place in a two-year period between 2020 and 2021. Eighty-six (46%) of 186 total students responded. The vast majority of respondents agreed with the use of multimodal teaching techniques with respect to its impact on overall preparedness for future coursework, understanding, and enjoyability. Lectures and recitations were found to be the most useful in information retention and learning, although the same were found to be less enjoyable than other modalities. Although case studies and presentations were found to be enjoyable, most students ranked them low in terms of information retention and were the most voted to be removed from the course. There was general agreement between premedical and medical students' perception on the usefulness of the multimodal teaching techniques with respect to medical biochemistry modules and standardized exams. The agreement between cohorts suggests the premedical students accurately evaluated the usefulness of the course for the following year and validates the usefulness of the premedical student surveys. Use of multiple modalities in biochemistry education can be of substantial benefit in engaging and preparing students for further education.

Study on the Teaching Path of Medical Ethics in Medical Colleges and Universities in Ethnic Areas by Integrating the Consciousness of the Chinese National Community / 中国医学伦理学

From an ethical point of view, the ethical characteristics of the consciousness of the Chinese national community contain an ethical starting point based on "love"; ethical path with "people first" as the core; ethical vision for the purpose of "prosperity". The consciousness of the Chinese national community greatly conforms to the teaching objectives and teaching content of medical ethics. Therefore, medical ethics teaching from the perspective of the Chinese national community should implement the fundamental task of helping students develop good morals and enhance the moral quality of "love"; take the "community of doctor-patient destiny" as the starting point of education and build the concept of "people first"; strengthen the country’s sense of responsibility of "prosperity and strength" and establish the mission of "rooting and maintaining health at the grassroots level", build a strong consciousness of the Chinese national community.

Improving child nutrition in disasters by developing a modeled disaster preparedness nutrition education curriculum.

In contemporary global society, largely because of climate change and other natural and human-induced hazards, disasters are an almost daily occurrence. The nutritional impact of disasters on children results in long-term physical and mental health problems. As children are one of the most vulnerable demographic groups, they must be empowered with disaster preparedness nutrition knowledge, and the skills and motivation to survive, prevent/reduce malnutrition, and maintain good health during disasters. A disaster preparedness nutrition education program (DPNEP) was developed in this study to improve children's nutrition in daily life and during disasters through student-centered education. A consultative approach was used to synthesize the knowledge of a diverse group of four experts in disaster medicine and management, public health, education, and food and nutrition sciences to reach a consensus through discussion. A model DPNEP was developed by targeting grade 4 and 5 students and using interactive teaching methods. This can lead to the implementation of continuous nutrition education to empower children to make healthy food choices in daily life and reduce the risk of disaster-nutrition-related morbidity and mortality. Furthermore, once children acquire the necessary information, they are likely to share this knowledge with their families and communities, thereby enhancing society's resilience.

Assessing the Merits and Effectiveness of Peer Teaching in Small Groups through the Employment of Different Learning Media.

Background Peer teaching is a well-acknowledged method to facilitate teaching and learning among medical students. The objective of the study was to assess the merits and effectiveness of peer teaching in small groups using a student-centered approach through the employment of different learning media. Methods This was a cross-sectional descriptive study conducted among a group of 34 students from third professional year. Purposive sampling was used, wherein students were subdivided into five small groups. At the beginning, a pretest consisting of 10 multiple-choice questions was conducted on the topic "Epidemiology of Hypertension." This topic was further subdivided into five subtopics, and five separate learning media (viz., video, PowerPoint, white board, chalk-and-talk, and chart) were allocated using the lottery method. Each group discussed the allotted topic and then presented their findings in the large group using the assigned learning media, while other groups gave feedback, and the best group was decided through multivoting. Posttest was administered and the results were compared with the pretest. Data entry was done in Microsoft Excel and analysis was done using SPSS 16. Descriptive statistics and paired t -test was used to compare the results in pretest and posttest at p level < 0.05. Results This innovative session of peer teaching featured 34 students, with a mean age of 22 ± 1.3 years. While carrying out the Kirkpatrick Level 1 evaluation, almost 90% students liked the role of the facilitator in stimulating interest in the topic. There was a mean average increase of 1.7 marks on comparing the scores of posttest with pretest (Kirkpatrick Level 2), and the reported difference was statistically significant. Joyful learning 24 (66.7%) and group discussion 23 (63.9%) emerged as the most liked aspects of the session. Conclusion In conclusion, peer teaching through learning media is an effective method as it promotes active learning, improves communication skills, and improves the academic performance of students. Peer teaching using different learning media proved to be quite effective in improvement of knowledge about epidemiology of hypertension, the pros and cons of different learning media, and encouraged creativity among students.

University Pre-Professional Program: A Transitional Phase from Didactic to PBL Pedagogy.

Purpose: The College of Science and Health Professions offers the University Pre-Professional Program (UPPP) to newly enrolled students. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the program in preparing students to become self-directed learners and to seek students' perceptions about student-centered teaching. Methods: A quantitative quasi-experimental study that used a pre and post-test survey in two stages, before and after semester-4. A self-developed questionnaire was distributed online. Results: The t-test showed students (n=701) after semester-4 had a significant increase in the understanding of Problem-Based Learning (PBL) (t (699) = -8.27, p < 0.01), PBL dynamics (t (699) = -5.12, p < 0.01), learning and dynamics of Case-Based Learning (CBL) and Self-Directed Learning (SDL) (t (699) = -6.48, p < 0.01), and facilitators' role in such curriculum (t (699) = -3.41, p < 0.01). The ANOVA showed students attending various courses perceived the program variables differently (Learning in PBL p = 0.08, PBL dynamics p < 0.01, CBL and SDL dynamics p < 0.01, role of facilitator in PBL p < 0.01). Regarding the resources used by students during the basic medical sciences courses, no significant difference was observed between the study groups (p = 0.06). However, the only significant difference observed was in their satisfaction with the question related to assessment and course (p < 0.01). Conclusion: The UPPP improved students' understanding of student-centered teaching and learning approaches, especially the PBL. Thus, UPPP helps students shift their learning habits from didactic to student-centered modern learning approaches. Variation among different students' groups could be attributed to their previous academic background and change in learning medium to English. This study suggests that preparatory teaching programs like UPPP are helpful for students interested in joining the bachelor's programs in countries like Saudi Arabia where English is not a native language.

Transforming traditional physiotherapy hands-on skills teaching into video-based learning.

BACKGROUND: Pandemic-induced restrictions forced curriculum transformation from on-site education to virtual learning options. This report describes this transition, the challenge of creating technology-enhanced learning for hands-on psychomotor skills teaching in physiotherapy, and students' evaluations of the new technology-enhanced learning approach in Complex Decongestive Physiotherapy. METHODS: On-site theoretical background lectures were replaced with e-learning sessions. Faculty hands-on skills demonstrations for the entire class were replaced with video-recorded demonstrations. Videos included verbal and written instructions and were complemented with checklists guiding the students, training in pairs, through their learning tasks. A cross-sectional observational survey for teaching quality evaluated this new technology-enhanced learning approach and assessed students' preference for traditional or video-based hands-on skills learning. RESULTS: Survey return rate was > 50% (46 participating students). Teaching quality was rated between 1.5 ± 0.5 and 1.8 ± 0.4 (Likert scale from - 2 to + 2). Most students (66.7%) preferred the new approach. They appreciated for example that videos were available all the time, enabling self-paced learning, providing an equally good view on skills demonstrations, and the convenience to be able to rewind, re-view, and use speed adjustment options. CONCLUSIONS: Students preferred the new video-based learning of skills for Complex Decongestive Physiotherapy. Because in-class live skills demonstrations were omitted, faculty had more time to provide individual feedback and answer questions. The shift from teacher- to student-centered learning enabled students to control their own learning pace. The innovative program was maintained after pandemic-induced restrictions were lifted. The success of this approach should be tested in other physiotherapy settings and different educational institutions.

Data Collection: Time to revisit the WHY, WHAT, and HOW.

This is the first in a series of three articles looking at school health data collection from identification of data points to utilizing data to share your story and submitting your data to contribute to the National School Health Data Set: Every Student Counts! Many school nurses cringe at the mention of data collection. However, everything we do as school nurses is data driven. Every documented assessment, observation, and conversation provides the school nurse with data. The barriers often noted to participating in formal data collection efforts are time, workload, access to an electronic health record, and not understanding the WHY, WHAT, and HOW. The key to data collection is identifying the data already being collected and starting where you are. Data collection is not something new that you need to find a way to fit into your already busy schedule. WHAT do you currently collect? WHY are you collecting the data you have? HOW do you collect it? WHAT do you do with the data? These are all very important questions, but let's take a closer look at the WHY, WHAT, and HOW behind data collection.

Jigsaw Classroom: Perceptions of Students and Teachers.

Background: Various innovative teaching methods have been designed in an attempt to provide millennial students an interactive and stimulating learning environment. A jigsaw method is one such form of cooperative learning that enables students to develop critical-thinking and ability for effective communication and promotes positive student attitudes toward their own learning. The present study was thus undertaken to introduce a jigsaw-based cooperative learning method and to understand the perception of the students and faculty. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study conducted among second year MBBS students. Students were randomly divided into 10 parent groups, with 10 students each. The topic was divided into 10 subtopics. Each student in the parent group was allotted a sub-topic. The students who were given the same sub-topic assembled to form an expert group. They interacted and discussed the subtopic. Students finally returned to their parent groups for peer teaching and presentation. A validated questionnaire was used to gather students and faculty feedback. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze responses to the Likert scale questions. Qualitative data was analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: The present study included 95 s year MBBS students. Majority (81%) students agreed that this teaching learning method enhanced their communication skills. Seventy-five percent of the students agreed that the activity helped in overcoming shyness and hesitation in the class. Overall the faculty also agreed that the jigsaw method was helpful for the students. Conclusions: Cooperative learning like jigsaw facilitates learning allowing student-student discussion, improving communication and teaching skills.