THE IMPACT OF ACTIVE LEARNING METHODS ON STUDENTS’ UNDERSTANDING OF PHYSIOLOGY
Keywords:
Active learning; physiology education; medical students; student-centered learning; critical thinking; medical educationAbstract
Physiology is a core discipline in medical education that requires deep conceptual understanding and the ability to apply knowledge to clinical contexts. Traditional lecture-based teaching methods often limit student engagement and promote surface learning. Active learning methods have emerged as effective instructional strategies that encourage student participation, critical thinking, and meaningful learning. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of active learning methods on students’ understanding of physiology. A mixed-methods research design was employed to compare traditional teaching approaches with active learning strategies, including problem-based learning, case discussions, group activities, and interactive simulations. The findings demonstrate that active learning significantly improves conceptual understanding, academic performance, and student engagement in physiology courses. The study concludes that integrating active learning methods into physiology education enhances learning outcomes and better prepares students for clinical practice.
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