Understanding Gastric Acid Secretion: An Active Learning Approach

The human digestive system is a diverse network of cells, tissues, and organs that is regulated by systemic (e.g., nervous and endocrine systems) and local factors (e.g., secretions, pH, and the microbiome). Given the volume of content and the dense physiology involved, this system is difficult for instructors to teach and equally challenging for students to understand. This is especially true in our two-semester Human Anatomy and Physiology course for pre-health students at the University of Connecticut. In the Spring 2017 semester, we developed and implemented an active-learning based approach when teaching the histology and regulation of gastric secretions—a physiology-intensive topic within the digestive system unit. Our lesson included a team-based case study on gastric ulcer formation and Helicobacter pylori, a guided drawing depicting the molecular mechanisms of HCl secretion, a concept map linking the cells with their secretions, a think-pair-share on pharmacological regulators, and a reflective assignment placing the content within a broader societal context. Consistent with the themes of active learning, the lesson is suitable for any physiology instructor seeking to create a more engaging classroom, and provide students with opportunities to problem solve, think critically, and build relationships between course content and real life.

人体消化系统乃由各式细胞、组织和器官构成的复杂网络，其调控机制受系统性因素（例如，神经系统与内分泌系统）及局部因素（例如，分泌物质、pH值与微生物群）共同作用。鉴于内容量之大及生理学的密集性，此系统对于授课教师而言教学难度颇高，对学生而言理解亦属挑战。特别是在康涅狄格大学的为期两个学期的面向医学预科生的《人体解剖与生理学》课程中，情况尤为如此。在2017年春季学期，我们开发并实施了一种基于主动学习的教学方法，用于教授消化系统单元中生理密集型的胃分泌物的组织学及调节机制。我们的课程内容包括基于团队合作的胃溃疡形成与幽门螺杆菌案例研究、描绘HCl分泌分子机制的引导绘图、将细胞与其分泌物质联系起来的概念图、关于药物调节剂的思考-配对-分享活动，以及将内容置于更广泛社会背景下的反思性作业。与主动学习的主题一致，本课程适合任何寻求创造更具互动性课堂并为学生在解决问题、批判性思考和建立课程内容与实际生活联系之间建立桥梁的生理学教师。