A Model for Fluid Secretion and Absorption in the Gastrointestinal System

A series of hands‐on exercises were developed to complement the practical course of human physiology. The overall goal was to design an inexpensive model where students could manipulate a simple system that stimulates critical thinking and allow discussion in Physiology. This study presents one of those models that allowed students to actively participate through the processes the human body takes to excrete and absorb liquids in the gastrointestinal system. The system was built with a series of calibrated syringes connected using gravity to move fluids. The students were able to move liquid through the digestive tract by the 3‐ways onto the next syringe or able to take out liquid for the absorption through the digestive system. The GI model was tested during the summer course and student perception was evaluated with a survey at the end of the semester. The results show the majority of students approved the model and we can conclude that the students enjoyed and learned more through the active learning lab as observed with the pre and post‐test applied. Active learning, as the use of models, is a great way to instill concepts into students in which they will develop a long lasting learning.