Title

Effectiveness Of Integrating Case Studies In Online And Face-To-Face Instruction Of Pathophysiology: A Comparative Study

Keywords

Case studies; Critical thinking; Online teaching; Pathophysiology

Abstract

Due to growing demand from students and facilitated by innovations in educational technology, institutions of higher learning are increasingly offering online courses. Subjects in the hard sciences, such as pathophysiology, have traditionally been taught in the face-to-face format, but growing demand for preclinical science courses has compelled educators to incorporate online components into their classes to promote comprehension. Learning tools such as case studies are being integrated into such courses to aid in student interaction, engagement, and critical thinking skills. Careful assessment of pedagogical techniques is essential; hence, this study aimed to evaluate and compare student perceptions of the use of case studies in face-to-face and fully online pathophysiology classes. A series of case studies was incorporated into the curriculum of a pathophysiology class for both class modes (online and face to face). At the end of the semester, students filled out a survey assessing the effectiveness of the case studies. Both groups offered positive responses about the incorporation of case studies in the curriculum of the pathophysiology class. This study supports the argument that with proper use of innovative teaching tools, such as case studies, online pathophysiology classes can foster a sense of community and interaction that is typically only seen with face-toface classes, based on student responses. Students also indicated that regardless of class teaching modality, use of case studies facilitates student learning and comprehension as well as prepares them for their future careers in health fields. © 2013 The American Physiological Society.

Publication Date

1-1-2013

Publication Title

American Journal of Physiology - Advances in Physiology Education

Volume

37

Issue

2

Number of Pages

201-206

Document Type

Article

Personal Identifier

scopus

DOI Link

https://doi.org/10.1152/advan.00169.2012

Socpus ID

84878941139 (Scopus)

Source API URL

https://api.elsevier.com/content/abstract/scopus_id/84878941139

This document is currently not available here.

Share

COinS