Pre-Testing for a Powerful Learning Boost | TAPP Radio 3

How many proteins are there in a cell? Can a sneeze rupture the throat? The Anatomical Society publishes a curated list of online resources. The featured topic is how pre-tests can boost learning by students.

 

Pre-testing is not just for assessment—it helps learning, too.
A weird sneeze injury.
The Anatomical Society's list of online resources.
How many proteins are there in a cell?

 

A recent analysis suggests that a reasonable average number of proteins in a cell is 42 million. How might we incorporate that bit of trivia in our A&P courses? (0:41)

• Scientists Counted All The Protein Molecules in a Cell And The Answer Really Is 42
• The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy

 

The UK's Anatomical Society has put together a list of online resources under the auspices of their Education Committee (4:40)

• Online Resources recommended by the Anatomical Society

 

Can the explosive power of a sneeze cause injury? You bet. Here's a recently reported case of a rupture of the pharynx. Yikes. (6:11)

• Holding a sneeze can be a literal pain in the neck (includes a video)
• Snap, crackle, and pop: when sneezing leads to crackling in the neck

Pre-Testing isn't just for measuring prior competence before new learning starts. By itself, regardless of its use in course assessment, it's a powerful learning tool. Listen to Kevin's experience with pre-testing in his A&P courses. (10:28)

• Pre-Tests as Student Success Tools (more on Kevin's case study; has links to other resources)
• Small Teaching: Everyday Lessons from the Science of Learning (a great book that includes some info on using pre-tests as a learning strategy)

 

More details at the episode page.

 

Transcript available at the script page.

 

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