Hands-on activity for nephron physiology education: one example of active learning

Resumo

Physiology has traditionally been a difficult subject to teach because student success relies on conceptual understanding more than memorization of facts. The use of engaging instructional methods, such as manipulative models, dramatizations, and interactive computer programs not only helps to maintain students’ attention but also to enhance learning and understanding. Here we present an active learning activity for use in renal physiology education. The activity utilizes a manipulative model of the nephron that is inexpensive and simple to construct. Working in small groups, students were asked to apply their knowledge by identifying the correct placement of various transporters and ion channels along the various segments of the nephron. The activity provides students with the opportunity to model and understand the relative changes in concentrations of various filtered solutes as they move through the nephron. The hands-on portion of the activity is paired with didactic explanations of key concepts and intermittent large-group debriefs the keep all students focused and address questions. Overall, the manipulative serves as a unique teaching tool that may be adapted for use in a wide variety of classroom settings. In our experience, the manipulative helped students identify gaps in knowledge and enhance their understanding of nephron physiology while having fun learning alongside their classmates.

Keywords: Active learning; Urinary tract physiology; Manipulative.

Revista HUPE, Rio de Janeiro, 2014;13(4):52-56

doi: 10.12957/rhupe.2014.13954