Fig. 2 Graphic illustrations used in an active learning exercise in lecture during which students evaluate alternative evolutionary hypotheses (adapted from Campbell and Reece 2002).
The learn before lecture (LBL) assignments were coupled with in-class active learning exercises in which students were guided in applying their new knowledge to solve higher-level problems.
(1) Questionnaires The pre and post questionnaires included survey questions on the PCP's IT proficiency, clinical worldview, and current motivation to use VPs in the learning exercise.
A particularly interesting example of an Etext on "Separation science" by Tom Wenzel, Bates College, supports an inquiry-learning course and includes in-class cooperative learning exercises on chemical equilibria and chromatography [ 2].
Each LBL homework assignment was associated with an in-class active-learning exercise, where students were presented with an interactive demonstration, clicker questions, problem-based small group discussion, and/or class discussion.
In addition, the active learning exercise's use of molecular data to evaluate alternative trees was a nice complement to the lab activities that use morphological, developmental, and life history data to evaluate alternate hypotheses of evolutionary relationship.
At midday, all of the volunteers took part in a learning test designed to exercise a region of the brain called the hippocampus, which is involved in storing memories.
(2) Values-based education involves defining core values that students stand for and that can be reinforced by classroom learning, especially through history and literature and, also, in service learning exercises.
On the basis of our analysis of student responses to the short essay questions, we quantified a large increase in understanding after the first learning exercise (i.e., difference between PRE and the Dog lesson, Figure 2a).
It has been reported that students involved in problem based learning exercises retain long term understanding better than those who participate in traditional teaching environments [ 21].
