What question did this study set out to answer?

This study aims to implement a core concepts framework to improve physiology education in laboratory settings.

May 14, 2026

Employing a core concepts approach in the instructional laboratory

Key Points

This study aims to implement a core concepts framework to improve physiology education in laboratory settings.
Developed a framework for core concepts in the instructional laboratory during a six-month mini-course.
Promoted inquiry-based laboratory exercises over traditional 'cook-book' methods.
Incorporated pre-laboratory, laboratory, and post-laboratory components to enhance learning.
Demonstrated improved understanding of core concepts through inquiry-based exercises.
Found that students could effectively apply the scientific method to analyze and interpret data from labs, including simulations.
Highlighted increased engagement and deeper learning among students when adopting this instructional approach.

Abstract

Since its inception, the APS Center for Physiology Education (CPE) has supported educators who aspire to employ a core concepts approach to teaching and learning physiology, spurred by the foundational work of Michaels, McFarland, Modell and others (1,2). Although a wealth of publications document conceptual learning in the classroom, employing a core concepts approach in the instructional laboratory has continued to be a challenge. To this end, as part of a six-month Core Concepts mini-course offered via the CPE, we established a framework for using a core concepts approach in the instructional laboratory. Focusing on the foundational core concept of scientific reasoning (3), we promote inquiry-based over “cook-book” laboratory exercises to advance laboratory students’ employment of the scientific method. Further, our method prescribes pre-laboratory, laboratory, and post-laboratory components to the overall laboratory experience. Beginning with the pre-laboratory activity, students are challenged to identify the core concepts that are most relevant to a particular laboratory exercise. Students then follow through on transferring their understanding of each core concept to the data acquired and analyzed to test their hypotheses. With such an approach, even laboratories that employ simulations or pre-recorded data may be evaluated from a scientific method perspective, promoting conceptual learning in the laboratory. Examples of our approach will be provided. 1. Modell, H., Adv. Physiol. Educ. 23: 101-107, 2000. 2. Michael, J et al. The core concepts of physiology: A new paradigm for teaching physiology. DOI 10.1007/978-1-4939-6909-8, Springer, 2017. 3. Michael, J and McFarland, J., Adv. Physiol. Educ. 44: 752-762, 2020. This abstract was presented at the American Physiology Summit 2026 and is only available in HTML format. There is no downloadable file or PDF version. The Physiology editorial board was not involved in the peer review process.

Mark Helpful

Bookmark

Relay