Emily Rotich from South College in Nashville TN and Jennifer Thomas from Belmont University also in Nashville presented a recorded ASMCUE 2022 session entitled “Improving Student Performance Using Significant Examples to Explain Concepts.” They started by explaining how many professional disciplines use case studies and help students build on prior knowledge and a scenario. The goal of their assignment was to create a realistic, engaging, challenging, and informative scenario. The presenters used a discussion blog in the LMS and compared a class that had the discussion board with one that did not. The scenarios and concepts they used had to do with cell membranes and enzymes, and the location was intentionally designed to be TN. Several other creative scenarios were briefly described, and I enjoyed how concepts such as cell cycle and healthcare associated infections were explored thorough realistic and unique examples. For example, one case had participants look up the meaning of barcodes for organic and other produce. The presenters tracked questions carefully. They have not been able to analyze the data and continue to update the approach. The pandemic made it challenging to continue this study as planned because the way the course was delivered had to be modified. Nonetheless, I am glad they shared “teasers” of the case studies and examples!
