Date of Award
Summer 2023
Document Type
Open Access Dissertation
Department
Educational Studies
First Advisor
Christine Lotter
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of the implementation of case-based learning compared to traditional lecture in increasing critical thinking skills in an undergraduate Anatomy & Physiology I classroom. Throughout the course of one semester, five units were taught with the addition of a case study as an instructional tool while the other four units were taught utilizing only didactic (lecture) methods and did not teach content utilizing case study methodology. Two types of content-specific critical thinking data were analyzed: selected multiple-choice exam questions and End of Chapter (EOC) assignments. The Cornell Critical Thinking Test (CCTT) was administered at the beginning and end of the semester to measure general critical thinking skill progress throughout the course. In addition, the Student Assessment of Learning Gains (SALG) survey was administered at the end of the semester to measure student perception of learning via different teaching methodologies. Exam data indicated a growth in content-specific critical thinking throughout the semester while EOC data were inconclusive. The CCTT data showed an overall lack of change in critical thinking skills. Students perceive case studies as generally helpful for learning, but rate lecture and laboratories as providing more assistance in learning course material.
Rights
© 2023, Sarah E. Lehman
Recommended Citation
Lehman, S. E.(2023). Utilizing Case Studies to Increase Critical Thinking in an Undergraduate Anatomy & Physiology Classroom. (Doctoral dissertation). Retrieved from https://scholarcommons.sc.edu/etd/7428