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Web delivered program to demonstrate a pedagogy promoting meaningful learning
Author(s) -
Modell Harold I.,
Michael Joel A.,
Knoche Craig
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.26.1_supplement.719.1
Subject(s) - computer science , dialog box , process (computing) , web application , world wide web , operating system
Meaningful learning results when acquired information is used to accomplish a goal or solve a problem. Meaningful learning is an iterative process in which the learner (1) recognizes his/her existing mental model, (2) tests the mental model, and (3) refines the mental model. Helping the learner to engage in this process requires a pedagogy in which the instructor assesses the current knowledge of the learner, presents him/her with opportunities to apply this knowledge (e.g. make a prediction), and helps the learner refine his/her mental model before making another prediction. We have developed a web delivered computer program that helps students study mechanisms underlying pressure and volume changes occurring during a cardiac cycle. The program engages the student in a dialog that explores common misconceptions related to the cardiac cycle and helps her/him generate a Wiggers diagram. In an assessment component of the program, the student predicts the nature and site of valve pathophysiology given a Wiggers diagram or predicts the Wiggers diagram resulting from a specific valve pathophysiology. The student is able to test these hypotheses using a simulation of the cardiovascular system. Supported in part by NSF Grant #DUE‐1043422.