The Colossal Neuron: Acting Out Physiological Psychology

Increasing enrollments in such survey courses as Introductory Psychology create special problems for the instructor interested in alternatives to traditional lecture methods. Although in-class demonstrations have been used to maintain student interest and increase the retention of information in large classroom environments, physiological psychology has been largely overlooked in terms of instructional innovation. This article provides detailed instructions concerning how to teach neuron anatomy and physiology via a /2-hour dramatic presentation involving 30 student volunteers. Data are presented to support the perceived educational and entertainment value of this active teaching method.