Use of an audience response (ARS) in an interactive histology laboratory

The realization that medical students may fail to integrate normal histology, histopathology and resulting clinical manifestations with the advent of virtual‐histology has led us to identify the need to introduce methods that promote active learning in an interactive laboratory setting. Little research has been done on the potential value of introducing interactive learning methods in the histology laboratory using an audience response system (ARS). Many studies have shown that the use of an ARS can facilitate interactivity in large group settings and promote active learning. Therefore, in an effort to maximize the effectiveness of the combined laboratory‐based use of microscopes and glass slides with computer‐based instructional technologies, we plan to introduce a post‐laboratory exercise that utilizes an ARS. Our intended purpose of using the ARS will be to promote individual students’ responsibility for their own learning and allowing for practical application of learned material, and to become less reliant on memorization and overly focused on short‐term objectives.