CONTENT & PROBLEM assignmentCase-studies & Enhancing learning of Endocrine Concepts

Laura J Mauro

COURSE & STUDENT POPULATION

The course that is the focus of my research is an entry level REPRODUCTIVE PHYSIOLOGY course

an elective course offered every Fall

delivered to predominantly junior and senior undergraduates

class size ranges from 20-40 students.

LEARNING PROBLEM

A fundamental concept in physiology is the regulation of reproduction via the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis.

This is a concept that can be challenging for the students to learn.

They may be able to remember the components of the axis and possibly the key hormones that each components secretes but they often have difficulty and lack confidence in their understanding of the functioning of each component and how they interact with and regulate each other. In addition, they cannot apply this concept to a real-life problem.

RESEARCH QUESTION

Does the use of specialized case studies, incorporating diagnostics and bioethics, improve the ability of a student to:

understand the concept of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis ?

apply this concept to the pathophysiology of reproductive disorders/diseases ?

WHY IS THIS INTERESTING/SIGNIFICANT ?

Important fundamental concept of physiology

Lack of work dealing with learning endocrine concepts and the potential value of case-based teaching in undergraduate physiology courses some studies with medical school or pharmacy school curriculum

improvement (Hudson et al 2001; Zimmerman & Eckert 2009)

Existing studies lack the rigorous assessment that is necessary to conclude that this approach truly enhances student learning (Lundeberg & Yadav 2006 a, b)

ALIGNMENT W/LEARNING GOALS

Skills I wish students to have at the end of my course:

MASTERY of the critical facts

UNDERSTANDING of the complex function and regulation of reproduction (synthesis of facts into broader concepts)

APPLICATION of these concepts to real-life situations that represent the complexities of scientific thinking, the connections between science and ethical and socioeconomic issues (e.g. bioethics)

Experimental design and methodology will test the effectiveness of case studies to help the students progress from a mastery of the 'facts' of the HPG, synthesizing these facts into the concept and utilizing this concept to problem-solve diagnostics, etiology and bioethical issues of selected reproductive disorders.