The ITIP project's first aim is to develop innovative materials for teaching and learning physiology. These materials are designed around basic themes and principles of physiology. They will use a variety of active learning approaches, including inquiry-based activities, quantitative exercises, and problems based on examples from research and medicine. The curriculum materials will also include assessment tools designed to test conceptual understanding. A second aim of the project is to study the process that faculty and students go through when changing from a traditional instructor-centered classroom to a learner-centered classroom.

ITIP is a cooperative effort of the Human Anatomy and Physiology Society  (HAPS) and the American Physiological Society (APS). Members of the development team come from both societies.

Anyone who is interested in developing and/or testing material for the project is welcome to participate. There are several levels of involvement. The development team is currently recruiting 25 faculty members who will be site-testers during the 2000-2001 academic year. This is the highest level of involvement.

The ITIP project will have its own web page under the home page for the American Physiological Society. Faculty who are interested in trying some of the curriculum materials in their classroom may access the site but will be asked to fill out the demographic and "Approaches to Teaching" questionnaires. We also ask that people using the material provide us with feedback on how they used it, how successful it was, and whether they had to modify the material for their student population.

HOW CAN I CONTRIBUTE ACTIVITIES I’VE DEVELOPED?

If you have developed any activities that you would be willing to share with others, please contact Dee Silverthorn, Dan Lemons, or Joe Griswold.