FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 26, 2005
Contact: Stacy Brooks
American Physiological Society
301-634-7253
sbrooks@the-aps.org
Physiologists Affirm Need
for Animal Labs in Active Learning
Teaching laboratories integral in providing students with a rich learning
experience
July 26, 2005 – BETHESDA, Md. – “Teaching laboratories
that actively engage students in observation of and interaction with living
systems enhance student understanding of physiology [and] provid[e]
experiences that are qualitatively and quantitatively different” from what
students experience in other educational settings, according to a new
position statement issued by the American Physiological Society (APS).
At a time when many institutions are cutting back on
animal laboratories, the APS position statement notes that a well-rounded
physiological curriculum should include animal laboratories as well as other
teaching methods: “Well-designed animal laboratories provide vivid, exciting
opportunities for the direct study of how living systems function.”
In recent years there has been a notable decline in the
number of schools offering animal laboratories in connection with physiology
and other courses. This is due to a number of factors, including the
increasing breadth of the science curriculum, lack of laboratory space and
equipment, controversy about the use of animals, and higher costs associated
with studying animals.
Nevertheless, what students gain from participating in
an animal laboratory - active learning, critical thinking skills, a lasting
appreciation of the complexity of living systems, an abiding respect for
living organisms – makes the investment well worth the dollars spent.
“It is the educator’s duty to select pedagogy that
promotes learning to all students,” said Dr. Robert Carroll, of East
Carolina University School of Medicine and Chair of the APS Education
Committee. “Providing teachers and students with a variety of effective
educational tools ensures a more complete science curriculum.”
“This is a matter of educational quality,” said Dr.
Marsha Matyas, APS Director of Educational Programs. “Some students,
especially those that are strong visual or kinesthetic learners, benefit
greatly from the hands-on learning approach that animal laboratories offer,”
she added.
From the kindergartener watching a butterfly emerge
from its chrysalis to the medical student studying the organ systems that he
or she eventually will treat, animal laboratories enrich the full spectrum
of science education. Such experiences should be valued for the unique
perspective they bring, not viewed as an expendable “extra” within the
science curriculum.
The APS position statement and a supporting paper
providing the rationale behind it are available at
http://www.the-aps.org/pa/action/news/animalsinteaching.htm.
In addition, in an article to be published in the September issue of
Advances in Physiological Education, APS Public Affairs Officer Alice
Ra’anan reviews the decline of animal laboratories in physiology instruction
over the past 20 years and revisits research that compares the educational
effectiveness of such labs with computer-assisted instruction. This article
will be available free online after publication.
***
The American Physiological Society
(APS) is a professional scientific membership organization devoted to
fostering scientific research, education, and the dissemination of
scientific information. Through its journals, meetings and professional
development awards, APS plays an essential role in the advancement of
knowledge toward the understanding of basic biological function in living
organisms.
APS supports a variety of educational
activities that encourage the development of young scientists at the K-12,
undergraduate and graduate levels, and is committed to the continuing
development of resources that enhance the student laboratory experience for
all types of learners. In May 2004, APS won the Presidential Award for
Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring (PAESMEM).
Founded in 1887, the Society’s
membership includes more than 10,000 professionals in science and medicine.
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