An Assessment of the Active Learning Worksheets in an Undergraduate Human Anatomy and Physiology Course

Abstract

Anatomy & Physiology I is a demanding gateway science course for community college students. It is particularly challenging for underrepresented Hispanic students who must navigate course content, language barriers, and work-related time constraints. This paper introduces a new active learning strategy to promote meaningful learning and conceptual understanding of Anatomy & Physiology, enhancing students' academic success. The teaching strategy incorporates enhanced lecture presentations and discussions. It also includes periodic pauses for students to engage in active learning activities aligned with learning outcomes. These activities spark student interest and provide immediate feedback on their understanding of challenging topics. The study indicates that the pass rate, mainly grades of C+ and above (a requirement in all nursing courses), was consistently higher for active learning participants than those who attended traditional lectures. This evidence suggests that an active learning environment boosts academic performance among our ethnically diverse students.