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Emphasis placed on active learning in remodeling the Histology course in the Prematriculation Summer Program for entering medical and dental students
Author(s) -
Stefan Ancuta M.
Publication year - 2013
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.27.1_supplement.961.6
Subject(s) - memorization , class (philosophy) , medical education , virtual microscopy , psychology , mathematics education , diversity (politics) , computer science , multimedia , medicine , pathology , sociology , artificial intelligence , anthropology
The Prematriculation Summer Program at Georgia Regents University is designed to prepare students for the academic, social and environmental adjustments they will face upon entering the medical or dental schools. Histology is one of the mandatory courses for all participants. In 2012 this course was remodeled by the author (new course director) to place the emphasis on active learning. All sessions followed an interactive format with continuity between them. The instructional strategies included independent study, discussions with the entire class and in groups, drawing from personal observation of slides (virtual microscopy and microscopes), and role playing. A key factor was represented by taking time to navigate on slides, look at multiple examples and analyze them instead of memorizing images. Powerpoint presentations were used in moderation, alternating them with drawings on the board while explaining concepts. The students were encouraged at all times not only to identify but describe morphological features, compare and contrast them, explain their significance, relate them with functions and interpret some of the changes they noticed. Selected pathological examples and applications augmented the discussions. Thanks to the Office of Diversity Affairs for its support and for providing the students with individual copies of the required book as well as colored pencils and sketching pads.