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Traditionally, human anatomy is taught using cadaveric human or animal specimens, however such materials are not always available or are quite costly. Alternate instructional methods can include software, models, clay models, and illustrations. Unfortunately, while cost effective, these methods lack the ability to demonstrate the "in situ" three-dimensional relationships between anatomical structures. This study examined one alternative method of instruction, the construction of threedimensional paper models, which are currently limited in availability, and mostly designed for teaching medical anatomy programs. This study set out to determine (1) if a paper model system could be used to highlight the anatomic complexity of specific anatomic regions, (2) if a model system primarily designed for medical anatomy programs could be customized to topics and made appropriate for undergradute anatomy courses, and (3) if this low-technology and inexpensive form of instruction is an effective tool in teaching musculoskeletal anatomy. Students were given a series of four models to assemble during a time period of 4-weeks. Students were assessed with a series of paired questions before and after the model exercise relating to: number of muscles, plane of muscle, depth of structure, name and function of muscle. Comparison of the pre and post-test data demonstrated a gain in knowledge. Thus, the utilization of paper models are a viable and cost effective pedagogical tool for undergraduate anatomical education.

Ungrading or alternative grading strategies are gaining more attention, but instructors of STEM content courses often struggle to implement such a strategy. Various types of barriers may exist that prevent implementation of this innovative approach. This paper follows my Human Anatomy and Physiology Society (HAPS) workshop (Johnson, 2022) and describes the process of implementing this alternative grading scheme in an anatomy & physiology course, benefits that were realized by both students and instructor, and ongoing challenges to implementing the grading scheme in different contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of electronic media in the classroom was prevalent during the height of the COVID-19 global pandemic because it afforded the health and safety of students in blended course modalities. This project aimed to quantify the effectiveness of a three-dimensional computer-based human anatomical online platform in a blended synchronous course design. We asked our students to self-report the learning efficacy and overall student engagement of the online learning platform. We found that with intentional course design utilizing in-person anchored Zoom Buddy blended classes and a 3-D anatomy software, students reported high levels of learning efficacy and engagement in anatomy & physiology courses. The course design presented in this paper provides a viable option should we be faced with similar emergency learning situations or when course enrollments are high and class spaces are limited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Human Anatomy & Physiology Society (HAPS) has published a set of learning outcomes to be used for curriculum design of a one-semester introductory physiology course. The outcomes are competency-based and are mapped to core concepts and skills students should develop as undergraduates. This paper is an introduction to how the physiology learning outcomes are organized and how they can be used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anatomy and Physiology (A&P) is a foundational sequence of courses required for students to complete as a prerequisite prior to admission to a range of graduate health programs and degrees, some of which include medical schools, nursing, occupational and physical therapy, exercise science, cardiovascular technologist, diagnostic medical sonography, dental hygienist, respiratory care, and radiography. While undergraduate A&P course content is fairly standard, differences in curricula, as well as differences in the student populations within these classes exist. In this paper we examine ways in which a more inclusive teaching environment can be created to support an increased sense of belonging for LGBTQIA+ students within anatomy and physiology courses, potentially leading to higher retention and success rates (Fenaughty et al. 2019; Garvey et al. 2017; National Academy of Sciences 2017; Snapp et al. 2015). Inclusive teaching has largely been absent within STEM disciplines, leading to negative perceived classroom experiences within STEM courses (Snapp et al. 2015; Garvey and Rankin 2015). Faculty can help to reduce barriers to success faced by gender and sexual minority students by growing in cultural competency, using inclusive vocabulary, and infusing their courses with accurate content that allows all students to see themselves in the curriculum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The normal 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) captures fundamental concepts covered in the principles of cardiac electrophysiology. First year osteopathic medical students recorded their own 12-lead ECG tracings in a laboratory session that also included completing a guided worksheet where they interpreted their 12-lead ECG results. Student feedback was solicited at the end of the course and the ECG lab exercise received positive feedback across several academic years. The data suggest that the student hands on-experience of personal ECG recording and interpretation is a positive experience that may supplement first year medical student teaching and learning of cardiac electrophysiology. This paper summarizes the approach and teaching points that can be modified to fit various curricula. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poster presentations to communicate scientific knowledge/understanding are a commonly used assessment tool. It can be a challenge for students (and staff!) to deliver clear information with minimal text on the poster. We have found that this format did not encourage imaginative project topics or posters. To enhance communication skills, imagination, and student engagement, we adapted an existing physiology research project and increased the emphasis on communication skills with the use of infographics. This paper describes how students may produce their own biomedical infographics and discusses the issues that educators may need to consider when integrating infographic assessments into their teaching.

In our changing world there are many challenges that students face, one of them being temporary inability to attend face-to-face classes. This paper presents a perspective on how to best meet the needs of online learners, including such topics as course design, student engagement, challenges, and solutions. The information in this article may be helpful in this time of having to move our courses online.

STEM-related educational outreach offers students enriching opportunities to become more familiar with science, in terms of how it relates to their daily lives and with respect to possible career paths that they might want to follow. At the same time, graduate student trainees providing that outreach act as important resources for elementary and high school teachers while they hone their teaching skills and build confidence in the classroom. In this paper, six graduate students and recent graduates share their experiences with a variety of outreach programs that link young people with science in both Canada and the United States.

With increasing globalisation and internationalisation, student mobility, and a need for income generation, most universities in the UK and other parts of the world now seek to attract greater numbers of international students. Non-traditional approaches to teaching and learning delivery have been incorporated into modern medical education curricula. These pose additional challenges to the international medical students compared to their home student counterparts. Evidence suggests that international medical students underperform compared with home students, with odds of failure about 2.5 times higher. It has been proposed that far more guidance and support are required, but little attention has been given to the students' specific academic support challenges. This paper explores ways to address the academic support needs of this group of students.

Extra credit assignments are often viewed with disdain by educators as opportunities to earn points for students that lack the study skills to do well on exams and quizzes. However, these assignments can serve as a platform for students to apply the course material to their own lives, optimizing their strengths and creativity, and encouraging them to take ownership of their learning. In this paper we discuss how we used extra credit assignments in a two-semester Human Anatomy and Physiology course to develop community outreach, art exhibits, and education events to empower our students and make science accessible to the public.

Problem-based learning (PBL) is a type of active learning modality involving a student-centered approach that encompasses small group settings in order to promote learning via critical thinking and discussion as opposed to via direct presentation of facts and concepts. Through PBL, students engage actively in their learning. Facilitated PBL sessions put an emphasis on active learning by students as they explore their knowledge and understanding of medically related concepts as well as their own attitudes and values. This paper provides an introduction to the PBL modality and tips for developing a facilitation approach. Also included are examples of formative and summative feedback and implementation strategies that can be used by PBL facilitators. An example of a training exercise for PBL facilitation feedback is also presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While program-level learning objectives are required for medical school accreditation, session-level learning objectives are not, although many institutions use them. Most pre-clerkship basic science medical educators (PCBSMEs) do not have formal pedagogy training, so it is unknown when PCBSMEs learn about learning objectives or how they communicate them to students. A questionnaire was designed to phenomenologically explore these aspects during PCBSMEs’ time as a student and as an educator. Qualitative data underwent inductive thematic analysis and generated two descriptive themes. Theme Educator Experiences describes how respondents learned about and used learning objectives as a student and as an educator. Theme Educator Communications describes how PCBMSEs communicate with students about using learning objectives. The relationship between themes suggest learning occurs following Bandura’s Social Cognitive Theory. Findings indicate potential obstacles preventing implementation or communication about learning objectives, regardless of training. Strategies to proactively expose PCBSMEs to pedagogical concepts regarding learning objectives are recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human Anatomy and Physiology courses are “gateway” courses that students must pass with high grades in order to proceed through their program of study. However, student pass rates are often low, resulting in students attempting the course multiple times and delaying their graduation. Supplemental instruction performed by peer leaders is one mechanism that has been used to increase student success. The goal of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of peer-led supplemental instruction by comparing predicted and actual course grades. We learned that students predicted to earn a C achieved higher grades when they utilized supplemental instruction. While those students performed better than predicted, supplemental instruction did not improve ABC rates for the class. We conclude that supplemental instruction can be of benefit for some students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Student-generated videos (SGVs) are gaining popularity and have been increasingly incorporated into undergraduate curricula in many disciplines. Through the creation of their own educational digital videos, students learn course content and transferrable skills. However, the use of SGVs in anatomy and physiology (A&P) is virtually undocumented. In this mixed-methods study, students in online and face-to-face A&P courses independently created short videos about relevant physiological phenomena. The results indicate that perceived and actual learning, as well as enjoyment, were positively impacted by the creation of the SGVs. Though it was not required, students watched their peers’ videos over 12,000 times in the online course and over 1,100 times in the face-to-face course. These findings demonstrate the value of SGVs in the A&P lecture classroom for the first time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Human Anatomy & Physiology Society (HAPS) has published a set of learning outcomes to be used for curriculum design of a one-semester introductory physiology course. The outcomes are competency-based and are mapped to core concepts and skills students should develop as undergraduates. This paper is an introduction to how the physiology learning outcomes are organized and how they can be used.

Anatomy and Physiology (A&P) is a foundational sequence of courses required for students to complete as a prerequisite prior to admission to a range of graduate health programs and degrees, some of which include medical schools, nursing, occupational and physical therapy, exercise science, cardiovascular technologist, diagnostic medical sonography, dental hygienist, respiratory care, and radiography. While undergraduate A&P course content is fairly standard, differences in curricula, as well as differences in the student populations within these classes exist. In this paper we examine ways in which a more inclusive teaching environment can be created to support an increased sense of belonging for LGBTQIA+ students within anatomy and physiology courses, potentially leading to higher retention and success rates (Fenaughty et al. 2019; Garvey et al. 2017; National Academy of Sciences 2017; Snapp et al. 2015). Inclusive teaching has largely been absent within STEM disciplines, leading to negative perceived classroom experiences within STEM courses (Snapp et al. 2015; Garvey and Rankin 2015). Faculty can help to reduce barriers to success faced by gender and sexual minority students by growing in cultural competency, using inclusive vocabulary, and infusing their courses with accurate content that allows all students to see themselves in the curriculum.

The use of electronic media in the classroom was prevalent during the height of the COVID-19 global pandemic because it afforded the health and safety of students in blended course modalities. This project aimed to quantify the effectiveness of a three-dimensional computer-based human anatomical online platform in a blended synchronous course design. We asked our students to self-report the learning efficacy and overall student engagement of the online learning platform. We found that with intentional course design utilizing in-person anchored Zoom Buddy blended classes and a 3-D anatomy software, students reported high levels of learning efficacy and engagement in anatomy & physiology courses. The course design presented in this paper provides a viable option should we be faced with similar emergency learning situations or when course enrollments are high and class spaces are limited.

Teaching with empathy is an approach that values the emotional quality of both teacher and student experiences. To incorporate teacher empathy into our teaching practice, we must first recognize that distress is inevitable, and that building skills to deal with stressful situations is an important investment in our future mental health. Communication skills such as listening, validating, and reframing are useful in the midst of student interactions. Designing a personal strategy to handle email communications is also essential, as much of our student communication occurs via this route. Having a short list of phone numbers and email addresses for campus emergency contacts, such as the dean of students or campus counseling center, is another important step in preparedness. Creating appropriate boundaries, stepping back, and taking time for selfawareness all help to preserve teacher mental health. The overall goal is to position ourselves with the mental and emotional resources to interact with students in a manner that leads to successful student outcomes, and leaves us with a feeling of compassion satisfaction, rather than compassion fatigue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The brain organizes somatosensory experience based on the body location from which it originated and the pathway by which in arrived. Here, I present a classroom discussion-based activity centered around the concept of a phantom limb to allow students to explore how cortical representation of sensory experience can be altered. The goal of the activity is to allow students to explore concepts surrounding plasticity of cortical representation. The mouse barrel cortex, a common model system for studying these effects, will be presented to explore potential mechanisms of the change. Finally, the students will hypothesis how the mirror box therapy can be used to ameliorate phantom limb pain without the use of pharmacological treatment. The activity is designed for second- or third-year biology or physiology majors and can be conducted in a single class period. Students can work in small groups answering questions before discussing their answers as a class. There are many opportunities to expand the discussion described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digital anatomy programs such as the Primal Program™, BodyViz™, Complete Anatomy™, or Cengage™, provide rich learning opportunities with the ability to remove anatomical layers, highlight specific structures, and rotate images. However, supporting the diverse learning styles of today's anatomy students requires more than access to digital learning tools. This article describes sequential changes made in an anatomy course for a doctor of physical therapy (DPT) program. The DPT program moved from cadaver dissection to digital anatomy in the years 2020 - 2023. The most significant change was moving from the cadaver table, where there was rich student engagement during dissection, to a robust digital program with less student interaction and more screen learning. Throughout this transition, additional learning modalities were added. Tutorial stations were the most effective learning modality developed. At each station, faculty taught a focused topic (e.g. rotator cuff muscles), using multiple modalities such as a mounted skeleton, digital program, and Therabands™ to simulate muscles. Students learned how to integrate modalities and benefited from active engagement as faculty asked questions. These tutorial stations reinstated the learning environment of the cadaver tables and were optimal when students were allowed as much time as needed to gain confidence at each station. A post-survey sent to all enrolled students in the course each year identified the tutorial stations as the most preferred learning modality in 2023. To summarize, moving to a digital learning paradigm benefits from creative problem solving and persistent effort to support diverse student learning styles and student engagement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While there has been a recent focus on developing programs to support educational research by community college anatomy and physiology instructors, there is not yet an established long-term community of practice (CoPs) in this particular area. Studies of long-term CoPs, particularly in STEM education, are few and far between. This study examines College in the Schools (CIS), a long-term community of practice for high school anatomy and physiology (A&P) educators in Minnesota and Wisconsin. In addition, this study highlights the factors that attract high school A&P teachers to CIS and the possibility of creating a similar CoP for community college (CC) A&P instructors focused on educational research. It was discovered that despite their varying reasons for joining, members of CIS and CC instructors tend to participate in CoPs similarly. As a result, A&P instructors from CC who are interested in educational research could benefit from a CoP structure similar to CIS over a longer period of time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effectiveness of online anatomy teaching in acquiring knowledge and professionalism by medical and health sciences students has come under increased scrutiny by the educators’ spotlight during the COVID-19 pandemic. Following the easing of COVID-19 restrictions, anatomy educators need to analyze their online experience to assure preparedness for similar situations or, more importantly, incorporate technical advances in their future curriculum designs to catch up with the rapidly evolving educational system. A fundamental component of this system that is a major determinant and driver of the learning process is assessment. Given the pre-pandemic debate about the effectiveness of assessment in the context of online anatomy courses, we ask the question: what are the different strategies of student assessment that were reported and/or evaluated in the literature regarding anatomy online teaching during the pandemic? The five-stage scoping review approach suggested by Arksey and O’Malley was implemented, and 41 titles were included out of 1755 searched titles. The review generated four themes: a) Assessment and examination standards in online anatomy courses, b) Student engagement and participation in formative assessment formats of online anatomy courses, c) Comparisons between in-person and online anatomy students’ performance and d) Student and anatomy faculty perception about online anatomy assessment. There were many gaps in the reviewed reports that need attention in the future such as students’ academic background needs, marks distribution, and the formative vs summative assessment contribution to the course outcome. Longitudinal studies to evaluate knowledge and professional attainment comparing online vs face-to-face approaches are lacking. Whenever online teaching of anatomy is considered, assessment strategies should be aligned to fit an online design, and both the faculty and the students need to be familiarized with the applied technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2022, a subset of the Human Anatomy and Physiology Society (HAPS) Curriculum & Instruction Committee administered the third offering of the HAPS lab survey. This survey included a three-part framework of (1) demographics, (2) lab activities and learning outcomes, and, (3) the impact of a global pandemic on instruction. Here we report on demographics of respondents, their institutions, and students. Survey results related to lab activities and outcomes, and COVID-19 impacts, will be addressed in subsequent manuscripts. The duration of teaching service has been stable with 54.3% to 58.3% of respondents serving at least ten years in their current position, and 88% of respondents working at a single institution. Job responsibilities focused on teaching (98.9%) as well as multiple other commitments including service and lab and/or course coordination. The number of respondents with a terminal degree increased and there has been a decrease in the percentage of respondents working at 2-year institutions, with 50% of respondents working at 4-year institutions, of which a slight majority had graduate programs. Career goals of enrolled students remained focused on allied-health and instructors indicated nursing as the most common student career goal, with a range of other careers also mentioned. Overall, the results affirmed the importance of anatomy and physiology (A&P) instruction and the multiple roles that A&P instructors serve at their institutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Anatomy Outreach Program (AOP) at The Ohio State University aspires to enhance anatomical knowledge and appreciation of the human body through interactive laboratory experiences. In May 2022, the AOP held a 3-day outreach event called Anatomy Outreach Days (AOD). AOD exposed more than 300 high school students across Ohio to various human anatomical donor materials, a facilitator panel, and an anatomy-themed game room. Anatomy Outreach Team (AOT) members were recruited to facilitate the different activities with student participants. AOT facilitators guided students through nineteen anatomy stations across five laboratory spaces, spending roughly ten minutes per station. At these stations, students were taught using human anatomical donor materials such as hearts, lungs, and joint prostheses or participated in activities like listening to heart sounds. Post-event Likert-based surveys evaluating student and teacher experiences of the event were distributed following the event; 48 student responses and 7 teacher responses were received. Participant satisfaction with their experience at AOD was rated as ‘excellent’ with a score of 4.56 for students and 4.86 for teachers. The survey results also showed that students and teachers would highly recommend AOD to their peers. It was concluded that the logistical format of AOD at The Ohio State University was conducive to a positive experience for student and teacher participants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In early 2022, the Human Anatomy & Physiology Society (HAPS) Curriculum & Instruction Lab Survey subcommittee launched the third survey of instructors for introductory undergraduate-level courses in human anatomy and physiology. This manuscript presents analyses of questions regarding the laboratory activities and learning outcomes (LOs) section of the survey and compares results to the first (2014) and second (2017) offerings of the lab survey. Laboratory instruction continues to be a valued component of anatomy and physiology instruction, although a greater variety of resources are now being used. New questions on curriculum development revealed that respondents utilize many techniques and resources to develop their curricula, though respondents at 2-year institutions report significantly lower levels of influence on their A&P curricula compared to respondents at 4-year institutions. Identification of anatomical structure LOs appeared to be prioritized over LOs for each structure’s physiological role. Dissections, plastic model manipulations, use of human subjects for physiological experiments, and use of computer simulations have remained stable across all three surveys, although use of anatomical donors and computer simulations have increased over time. Collectively, we observed respondents developing intentional, outcome-directed changes to laboratory instruction while also being limited by historical practices at their institutions. Results also indicated that the COVID-19 pandemic has increased the speed at which instructors are making long-term curricular changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The normal 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) captures fundamental concepts covered in the principles of cardiac electrophysiology. First year osteopathic medical students recorded their own 12-lead ECG tracings in a laboratory session that also included completing a guided worksheet where they interpreted their 12-lead ECG results. Student feedback was solicited at the end of the course and the ECG lab exercise received positive feedback across several academic years. The data suggest that the student hands on-experience of personal ECG recording and interpretation is a positive experience that may supplement first year medical student teaching and learning of cardiac electrophysiology. This paper summarizes the approach and teaching points that can be modified to fit various curricula.

Problem-based learning (PBL) is a type of active learning modality involving a student-centered approach that encompasses small group settings in order to promote learning via critical thinking and discussion as opposed to via direct presentation of facts and concepts. Through PBL, students engage actively in their learning. Facilitated PBL sessions put an emphasis on active learning by students as they explore their knowledge and understanding of medically related concepts as well as their own attitudes and values. This paper provides an introduction to the PBL modality and tips for developing a facilitation approach. Also included are examples of formative and summative feedback and implementation strategies that can be used by PBL facilitators. An example of a training exercise for PBL facilitation feedback is also presented.

A traditional anatomy lab using microscope slides to examine the structures of the integumentary system was enhanced to increase connections to the real world, student engagement, and interest in the topic by adding a forensic storyline where students examined structures of the integument in order to "solve the crime". Student perceptions regarding the addition of the storyline to the lab found that 88% of students reported that the storyline increased the connections they made between the lab and the real world. Eighty-six percent of students stated that the storyline increased their interest in the lab and 83% said that it made them more engaged in the lab. Sixty-three percent of students felt that the storyline helped them to learn the material better. A five-step strategy guided the conversion of a typical hands-on anatomy lab exercise into an engaging experience based on a storyline using materials commonly found in the lab. This strategy serves as a template to transform lab exercises into experiences that use both a storyline and a hands-on activity as drivers of student learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This narrative study tells the teaching and learning story of the recently retired Dr. Peggy LePage, a longtime member of the Human Anatomy and Physiology Society with a career as a community college anatomy and biology professor spanning nearly three decades. Drawn from a lengthy narrative interview, this paper describes Dr. LePage's background as a nontraditional student and explores her resilience as a woman in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). When Dr. LePage neared a breaking point early in her career, an encounter with a well-known advocate for active learning in science classrooms transformed her pedagogy. She also became involved with HAPS and never looked back. Narrative passages from her interview emphasize Dr. LePage's persistence in STEM, her shift toward a teacher as learner mentality, and the benefits of learning communities for anatomy and physiology instructors.

A gender gap in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) exists. Fewer females enter academia or advance to senior level positions in academia than the number of females who earn advanced degrees. There are many reasons for this, but common themes include disproportionate responsibilities for childcare and imposter syndrome. For some females, this may mean a reluctance to undertake a mid-career change. In this article, I relate my experience with a mid-career change and how I adapted to a new academic environment with new responsibilities. In doing so, I realized that my current approach is not much different than my previous approach and I was able to adjust to teaching professional students and mentoring graduate students in research after having spent 20 years at an undergraduate teaching institution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, we saw a forced transition in educational practice from traditional methods to online and virtual learning as higher education, along with nearly all aspects of society, was disrupted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As many of us have returned to face-to-face instruction, questions remain regarding modes of instruction and what forms of presentation are preferred among students. This study was done to gain the students’ perspective on the presentation of content in an undergraduate human anatomy and physiology course by surveying students both before and after the pandemic. Students were asked about their preferences regarding presentation of new material, conceptual and non-conceptual, and options to review content from the lecture or laboratory portions of the course. Our results indicate that, despite a trend toward virtual instruction and despite finding more students post-pandemic seemingly more comfortable with independent study, traditional educational methods such as face-to-face PowerPoint presentations and additional time in the laboratory are still valued by students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper analyzes the lived experience of Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students participating in the service-learning program, Anatomy Academy. To understand this experience, we performed a phenomenological analysis using the reflections of 31 DPT students as they participated as Mentors to 5th grade elementary students. Mentors used active learning strategies to teach topics of anatomy, physiology, and nutrition in small groups. After each teaching experience, Mentors responded to writing prompts as a way to reflect upon these experiences. From these reflections, three overarching themes emerged in describing the Mentors' experience. Our results showed that the Mentors developed an understanding of the power in learning through real-world situations, grew in their ability to work with others, and developed an enhanced personal awareness of self and society. This study emphasizes the importance of service learning in the graduate education of DPT students as they progress to become competent health care professionals.

The majority of my students are either out of state or international students who live on campus during the regular academic year and return home during the summer months. Thus, most students cannot attend face-to-face summer classes held on campus. In 2015, I developed a flipped, completely online human physiology course to meet the needs of these students. Human Physiology Online is composed of an asynchronous portion, where students review course material on their own (out of sync), and a synchronous portion, when we all meet online at the same time (in sync). Here, I describe the asynchronous and synchronous components of Human Physiology Online in detail, including how I use technology to recreate the small group environment of my regular face-to-face class during synchronous class sessions. I also present student feedback for Human Physiology Online from anonymous course surveys.

Despite the passage of laws aimed at increasing access and equitable opportunities for students with disabilities in postsecondary education, issues related to disability continue to be rarely discussed in topics related to diversity, inclusion, and educational reform. Disability represents not only an immensely diverse section of the general population, it is a term that is problematic to define, and a term embroiled in controversy, both historically and from a current day perspective. This short piece invites readers to consider the history of how disability has been defined, explores specific issues faced by those living with 'invisible disabilities', such as learning disabilities and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), increases awareness of how these issues may affect educational outcomes, and encourages educators to seek best teaching practices that can address the specific needs of particular students in their classes.

The immune response is a wonderfully complex aspect of our physiology that can sometimes confound students and instructors alike. How do we wade through the layers of detail to help our students develop an understanding of immunology? In this article, I will share some of the stories about immunology research that helped me strengthen my own understanding and improve my approach to helping students learn and understand this topic. In addition, we will explore some of the research on the power of storytelling, and how learning through stories might be a defining characteristic of what it means to be human.

Near-peer teaching, in which students one or more years removed from a student within the same academic program, is utilized broadly in medical school curricula and increasingly in undergraduate anatomy and physiology courses. While the literature on near-peer teaching suggests that the practice is overwhelmingly positive, it is primarily from anatomy courses in a medical school setting. Therefore, instructors who implement near-peer programs at the undergraduate level should share their experiences and evaluate these programs on an ongoing basis. The purpose of this paper is to share a personal experience with utilizing undergraduates as teaching assistants in the anatomy and physiology laboratory setting. A detailed description of the near-peer experience is first provided, followed by the observed benefits for everyone involved from both the instructor and a near-peer's perspective. Finally, recommendations are made for implementing a near-peer program with future directions for research into evaluating outcomes of a near-peer program.

The rising costs of college tuition, housing, and textbooks can be a barrier to many who seek a certification or degree in a health profession field. Affordable open educational resources (AOER) are an attractive alternative to expensive course materials. The Health Sciences Department at Weber State University created a comprehensive, two semester anatomy and physiology course using only openly available, copyright-free educational resources and an inexpensive, interactive laboratory program. The product is a collection of resources that includes a 1000+ page study guide, more than 230 small formative learning activities, recorded video lectures, and a comprehensive laboratory program that functions in both online and campus-based environments. This paper outlines the steps taken to transition from a traditional textbook-centered anatomy and physiology curriculum to one that offers students a wide range of learning resources for a fraction of the cost. The reduction of course materials costs will save health sciences students at Weber State University more than $375,000 every year.

The Mobile Fact and Concept Textbook System (MoFaCTS) is an individualized online tutoring system designed to increase information comprehension and retention. It is being implemented in community college anatomy and physiology (A&P) courses for further system development. A&P was selected because it is a very challenging and highly in demand course. MoFaCTS was used to create Cloze (fill-in-the-blank) questions from the course text which students use to practice the course material. The system provides correction and feedback to the student, repeating questions to improve recall. The system also produces detailed progress reports for both faculty and students. A survey given to students showed a moderately positive impression of the systems, with A&P II students responding more positively on some survey items. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flipped classrooms have been shown to improve engagement in undergraduate classrooms, in general, but there have been fewer studies reporting on how they are received in the undergraduate medical education classroom. This perspective piece reflects on one instructor’s experience with flipping the classroom as a pilot study when teaching medical students. Some preliminary survey data reveals student feedback with regard to the effectiveness of the flipped classroom sessions for first year medical students. While the response rate was very low for the survey, it still provided an indication of the usefulness of the sessions, as well as some helpful open-ended feedback from the participants. This pilot study will be repeated in the Spring 2023 semester. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Writing Intensive (WR) High Impact Practice (HIP), which incorporates Transparency in Learning and Teaching (TILT), was applied to written assignments in Human Biology and Anatomy and Physiology II (A&P II) courses. As part of our study sponsored by the Association of American Colleges and Universities (AAC&U), certified AAC&U Valid Assessment of Learning in Undergraduate Education (VALUE) Institution rubric scorers assessed 100 assignments from students in two science courses for critical thinking using the critical thinking VALUE rubric. Students in A&P II, who had completed on average 75% of degree credits, had statistically significant higher distributions of critical thinking scores than those in Human Biology who will have completed on average 25% of degree credits at completion of the course. The distribution of scores between race and gender did not reveal any statistical differences. WR with TILT in written assignments promotes learning, equity and critical thinking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Propagation of action potentials occurs when electric fields arise among plasma membrane regions at different electric potentials. These electric fields are visualized by electric field lines. Current will flow through conducting media (cytosol and interstitial fluid), forming a local-circuit current. These electrotonic currents flow longitudinally along the fiber. When they cross the membrane from inside out, they produce a depolarizing effect that may reach threshold on the non-stimulated membrane regions. Local-circuit currents depend on the passive properties of axons that explain why the propagation velocity of action potentials is faster when the diameter of the fiber is larger (less longitudinal electric resistance), the length constant of the fiber is longer (electrotonic currents spread farther), and the membrane capacitance is lower (threshold voltage is reached faster). The roles of the myelin sheath and the location of voltage-gated Na+ channels at high density on the nodes of Ranvier in increasing propagation velocity are analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the most challenging aspects of teaching anatomy and physiology is using teaching tools that enhance active learning and keep students actively engaged during the lecture courses. This study explored the use of a student response system that was easy to use, cost-efficient, and re-usable for multiple anatomy and physiology courses. More specifically, the impact of i>clickers on student performance in anatomy and physiology courses was investigated by comparing exam scores before and after the introduction of i>clickers. This study showed that the use of i>clickers during the lecture courses increased student engagement and improved the performance of students on the lecture exams covering the respiratory, digestive, urinary, reproductive, lymphatic, and immune systems. The overall performance of students in the anatomy and physiology lecture courses had also a tendency to increase. Furthermore, student feedback regarding i>clicker use was highly positive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Faculty in higher education strive to prepare students who have mastered discipline specific content, are adept at using "soft skills" required in the workplace, and have the ability and motivation to pursue life-long learning. A variety of methods including problem, case, and team-based learning have been developed to achieve these outcomes. These three approaches have similar acronyms, share common elements, and have been vastly modified to achieve various outcomes. As a result, a great deal of confusion has arisen. The aim of this paper is to provide clarity by contrasting and comparing these three methods. Additionally, brief reports from the literature will be discussed, as well as guidance for use of each method. Faculty are encouraged to choose methods that are best suited to the characteristics of their students and their own personal skill-set and preferences. Furthermore, faculty are encouraged to follow best practice in establishing clear objectives, assessing outcomes, and sharing successes and failures through publication. This article contrasts and compares problem-based (PRL), case-based (CBL), and team-based learning (TBL).

There is much in the literature about the perks and pitfalls of introducing lecture capture technology (LCT) into the classroom, with recommendations and guidelines as well as mixed reports outlining the ensuing expected and unexpected, in terms of positive and negative outcomes. With the goal of providing another student study resource, LCT was introduced into five large anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology courses at the University of British Columbia Okanagan. Some literature guidelines were followed, including: i) introduce LCT into content-heavy, lecture-based courses, ii) make LCT easy to use for students, iii) make recordings annotated and interesting, and iv) provide enough in-class activity to prevent drops in attendance. Other guidelines were not followed, for example: i) keep videos novel, short, and focussed on problem areas; ii) conduct mid- or postvideo tests; and iii) provide to first-years but not upper-years. This paper details LCT's merits and drawbacks for very different cohorts across three years of an undergraduate program.

There is room for improvement in the amount of active learning that takes place during physiology laboratory exercises. This paper describes a protocol designed to examine the human dive response, with the goal of creating an integrative laboratory experienced focused around improving active learning. The objectives of this laboratory exercise were to promote critical thinking, maximize collaboration and student engagement, and meet core competencies set forth by the National Science Foundation. Suggested modifications for portions of the exercise that were not successful have been included. By incorporating these suggestions, this activity could become an exercise used to progress physiology education based on survey, discussion question, and dive response data collected.

Students struggle with the amount of information they are expected to learn in undergraduate human anatomy and physiology labs. Often, the models used in labs may look different from the figures or photos in the lab manuals purchased from publishing companies and therefore studying at home with lab manual diagrams can be an unnecessarily frustrating and time consuming experience for students. In this activity, students work together in groups of four to label models with anatomy terminology assigned to that week's lab. They take pictures of their labeled models to assemble into a PowerPoint file thus collaborating to produce a personalized student made study guide that can be used outside of lab time, to review for the lab practical. The PowerPoint files are also uploaded to the Learning Management System as the weekly group homework assignment. This activity emphasizes cooperative learning, active vocabulary application, and good conversations among students and between students and instructors. It also utilizes technology in a fun, interactive way for students, which results in no lost or late homework, no papers to store, and easier grading for instructors.

Although literature posits the invaluable role of educators as both teachers and leaders in cultivating meaningful student learning experiences, many educators do not identify themselves as leaders (Barth, 2001). This paper explores leadership strategies for cultivating teacher-leader identity in Anatomy and Physiology educators. Due to large student enrollment numbers, faculty must often rely on student teaching assistants (TAs) to deliver the laboratory portion of their course. As teacher-leaders, faculty can assume leadership roles as both mentors and resource providers to course TAs and create a course culture of purposeful and deep learning.