Perceptions of Video Scenarios to Learn Human Pathophysiology Among Undergraduate Science Students

Pathophysiology describes and explains the physiological dysfunctions that occur in human diseases. Pathophysiology is content heavy, often leading to medical/biomedical science students adopting a surface approach to learning. To encourage more engagement, we developed clinical simulation practical classes using manikin patients. Students considered these were more effective than paper-based case studies. However, they found the first encounter with the manikins daunting. In addition, they did not have a strong sense of responsibility towards the outcome of their treatment choices largely because they recognized this as a simulated experience. Video is a powerful teaching tool to demonstrate situations that are difficult to explain in words, to see theory applied to practice or create enthusiasm and confidence in the viewer regarding the use of new practices. In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of exposure to a video scenario, in which a high-fidelity manikin was used as the ‘patient’, before the students’ own interactions with the manikin in later classes. Survey results suggested that the students felt more engaged with the case study. They felt the video helped them appreciate aspects of clinical communication and prepare for their time in the simulation laboratory interacting with the manikin. They saw the video as a useful addition to the written case study notes. Their criticisms were mainly around the production quality. This study supports the use of video scenarios as a valuable adjunct to the teaching of pathophysiology to medical/biomedical science students when using either paper- or simulation-based case studies.

     

Providing psychological intervention following traumatic events: understanding and managing psychologists’ own stress reactions

The role of the educational psychology service in crisis support is well established. This paper examines a key aspect of this role, the impact on psychologists themselves, and reviews literature on secondary stress, considering the term “stress” itself as part of the discussion. It examines recommendations for professional practice and self care in disasters and considers a model that could be used to inform supervision and professional practice.     

Students' perceptions of women and men as learners in higher education

The purpose of this study was to investigate differences in women and men's classroom behavior from the perspective of both traditional college-age and adult students in higher education. A sample of 358 students in four institutions responded to a questionnaire with 39 classroom behaviors. Factor analysis of the survey responses yielded seven dimensions of perceived classroom behavior. Perceptions of male and female behavior differed significantly on six of the seven factors. Perceived differences did not conform entirely to the findings of other research. Gender and age of respondent were related to perceptions of behavior.     

Do Double Minority Students Face Double Jeopardy? Testing Minority Stress Theory

Data from 2 studies revealed that ethnic and sexual minority clients experienced greater psychological distress on multiple dimensions than did European American or heterosexual clients, respectively, as did ethnic and sexual minority students who were not clients. Among sexual minority students, ethnicity was not an added source of distress. Among ethnic minority students, sexual minority status was associated with heightened psychological distress.     

Characteristics of High‐Risk College Student Drinkers Expressing High and Low Levels of Distress

The aim of this study was to identify variables that reliably differentiated between 2 groups of students who reported binge drinking at the same rate (6 to more than 10 times within the previous 2 weeks) but who exhibited different distress associated with their behavior. Results indicated that students who received an external expression of concern were more likely to be concerned themselves about their alcohol use. The clinical utility of this finding is discussed.     

Elementary Preservice Teachers' Struggles to Define Inquiry-Based Science Teaching

Journal of Science Teacher Education -     

Student–Faculty Interaction and Discrimination from Faculty in STEM: The Link with Retention

Research in Higher Education - Previous studies have documented student–faculty interaction in STEM, but fewer studies have specifically studied negative forms of interaction such as...     

Mainstreaming in Rural Communities: An Analysis of Case Studies in Queensland Schools

Comparatively little research has focussed on the experiences of disabled children in rural communities where mainstreaming may be a matter of necessity, thus providing examples of “natural experiments” in mainstreaming. A pilot study is described in which case studies are presented of five children with disabilities who attended regular schools in isolated rural communities in Queensland; a number of factors are suggested which may be associated with the outcomes of mainstreaming for these children. Several key issues in rural mainstreaming are offered as bases for hypotheses to be examined in future research programs.