ERIC Number: EJ1381476
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2023-Mar
Pages: 5
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1043-4046
EISSN: EISSN-1522-1229
A Case Study on Genomic Imprinting Facilitates Student Learning
Goudsouzian, Lara K.; Lo, Stanley M.
Advances in Physiology Education, v47 n1 p139-143 Mar 2023
Problem-based learning encourages students to deepen their understanding of a concept by working through a real-world example of course content. Case studies represent a form of problem-based learning that engages students in realistic scenarios to achieve a deeper understanding of concepts. Case studies have been shown to facilitate the learning of challenging subject matter. We hypothesized that the use of a case study would help students better learn the topic of genomic imprinting, an abstract phenomenon in molecular biology and genetics. We wrote an interrupted case study that focused on genomic imprinting. The case study consists of three short popular news articles that relate to genomic imprinting. Each article is followed by a set of two to four questions. Students read each article and discuss its associated questions in small groups and then with the entire class before moving on to the next article. We deployed the case study in an intermediate-level molecular biology course at a small, liberal arts university. We assessed student learning and attitudes toward the case study (50 pre/postmatched pairs). In four true/false assessment questions, our results showed that the students' performance on the assessment after the case study was significantly higher than their performance before the case study. Students also self-reported increased knowledge of concepts related to genomic imprinting. Finally, students were likely to agree that the case study was beneficial to their learning and was an enjoyable classroom activity. We conclude that the case study is an effective way to instruct students about the topic of genomic imprinting.
Descriptors: Case Studies, Genetics, Molecular Biology, Science Instruction, Liberal Arts, Small Colleges, Student Attitudes, Learning Processes, Problem Based Learning, Course Content, Scientific Concepts, Concept Formation, Vignettes, Difficulty Level, News Reporting, Teaching Methods, Science Tests, Class Activities, Outcomes of Education, Undergraduate Students
American Physiological Society. 9650 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20814-3991. Tel: 301-634-7164; Fax: 301-634-7241; e-mail: webmaster@the-aps.org; Web site: https://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2487/journal/advances
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: National Science Foundation (NSF)
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: DBI1624200