Using dramatizations to teach cell signaling enhances learning and improves students’ confidence in the concept

Abstract

Certain physiology concepts can be difficult for students to understand, and new strategies need to be implemented to teach these concepts. Cell signaling is a core concept in physiology and is presented to undergraduate students starting with their first-year Principles of Biology course. Flipped teaching (FT) combined with dramatizations were used to teach steroid hormone and protein hormone cell signaling in an Animal Physiology course. Student knowledge level improved, as demonstrated by posttest scores compared to pretest scores. Their confidence level in the material improved after the dramatization activities were completed. In conclusion, the combination of FT with dramatizations enhances student learning and confidence level.