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Interactive Classroom: From Motoneuron Activity to Skeletal Muscle Contraction and Relaxation

Authors :
Todini, Luca
Menchetti, Laura
Source :
Advances in Physiology Education. 2023 47(3):652-656.
Publication Year :
2023

Abstract

Active learning and practices are strongly encouraged or made mandatory by local, national, and European organizations. Therefore, we set up an interactive practical classroom, engaging all of the attending students of the year (n = 47). Each student was assigned a physiological role (marked on a cardboard sign) in the following events: stimulation on motoneuron dendrites, sodium ions (Na[superscript +]) influx and potassium ions (K[superscript +]) efflux, action potentials onset and saltatory conduction along the axon, acetylcholine (ACh) neurotransmitter exocytosis following Ca[superscript 2+] influx, ACh binding to postsynaptic membrane receptors, ACh-esterase action, excitatory postsynaptic potential, release of Ca[superscript 2+] from the sarcoplasmic reticulum, mechanism of muscular contraction and relaxation, and rigor mortis. A sketch was drawn with colored chalks on the ground outside the room: the motoneuron with its dendrites, cell body, initial segment, myelinated axon, and synaptic bouton; the postsynaptic plasma membrane of the muscle fiber; and the sarcoplasmic reticulum. Students each had their own role and were asked to position themselves and move, accordingly. This resulted in a complete, dynamic, and fluid representation being performed. The evaluation of the effectiveness of the students' learning was limited at this pilot stage. However, positive feedback was received in the self-evaluation reports that were written by students on the physiological meaning of their own role, as well as in the satisfaction questionnaires requested by the University. The rate of students who successfully passed the written exam and the rate of correct answers that included the specific topics addressed in this practice were reported.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1043-4046 and 1522-1229
Volume :
47
Issue :
3
Database :
ERIC
Journal :
Advances in Physiology Education
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
EJ1402760
Document Type :
Journal Articles<br />Reports - Research
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1152/advan.00047.2023