Interactive clicker technology in teaching nutrition and metabolism in the medical curriculum

Abstract

Audience response technology via wireless handheld devices (clickers) allows polling of students and provides immediate feedback. We have used this methodology in a first year medical school course to assess students’ preconceptions about nutrition and to address a unique problem: the inconsistency between biochemical facts and commonly accepted recommendations of health agencies. Representative questions from the first class meeting that provided information on student background, led to critical discussion and were used for focus of the course: During the epidemic of obesity and diabetes, the macronutrient that increased most: (CHO, fat, protein): In general, the effect of a low‐fat diet on plasma triglycerides? (increase, decrease, no effect) The dietary component most likely to raise plasma triglycerides: (CHO, fat, protein). The major stimulus for insulin secretion: (glucose, fatty acids, amino acids) The dietary requirement for carbohydrate: ( ~130 g/d, ~ 50 % of calories, none) CHO intake recommended by USDA, American Diabetes Association, others: ( ~130 g/d, ~ 50 % of calories, none). A major effect of insulin: (glucose uptake, inhibition of lipolysis, fatty acid uptake, all)