The A&P Professor
In Episode 147, host Kevin Patton reviews the highlights and events of the previous year in the world of The A&P Professor. He then turns to last year's predictions for teaching human anatomy and physiology to see if he was on the right track. Finally, predictions for the coming year are revealed. And lots of other stuff—this episode is two hours long, after all! 0:00:00 | Introduction 0:00:50 | Debrief: Topics, Stats, Reflections 0:21:28 | A Long, Long, Long Episode 0:23:05 | Debrief: More Reviewing & Reflecting 0:38:59 | Did I Get My Predictions Right? 0:50:22 | Textbook &...
info_outline Anatomy of Trust: Promoting Integrity in A&P Education | Winter Shorts | TAPP 146The A&P Professor
Episode 146 of The A&P Professor podcast is one of our winter shorts, where I replay interesting segments from previous episodes. In this one, we discuss the importance of academic integrity in the Anatomy & Physiology course. We emphasize the need to incorporate discussions about integrity in the syllabus and course materials and share real-life examples of violations in the healthcare field. We highlight how dishonesty can have serious consequences and discuss strategies for prevention, such as using multiple test versions and unique topics for papers/projects. Providing examples of...
info_outline A Tongue Twister's Guide to Mastering Anatomy Pronunciation | Winter Shorts | TAPP 145The A&P Professor
Episode 145 of The A&P Professor podcast is one of our winter shorts, where I replay interesting segments from previous episodes. In this one, you'll hear about the trials and tribulations of teaching and learning pronunciations of anatomy and physiology terminology. Including why the instructor is ALWAYS correct! 00:00 | Introduction 01:07 | Variations in Anatomy & Physiology Pronunciations 10:24 | Say Anatomy & Physiology Terms Out Loud 20:30 | Staying Connected ★ If you cannot see or activate the audio player, go to: 🏅 Apply for your credential (badge/certificate)...
info_outline Dissecting the Kenhub Atlas: Insights from Editor Mike Pascoe | TAPP 144The A&P Professor
Mike Pascoe joins host Kevin Patton in Episode 144 to chat about Mike's experience in editing the new Kenhub Atlas of Human Anatomy. We go behind the scenes to see how this new kind of anatomy atlas was developed. Let's see how those decisions get made and how the learning perspective gets incorporated into anatomy manuals. And we explore diverse representation in anatomy images and why we won't find any eponyms in this atlas. We also have a brief remembrance of our friend David Allard. 00:00 | Introduction 00:45 | Remembering David Allard 04:25 | Introducing Mike Pascoe 06:12 |...
info_outline The One Teaching Strategy That Will Fix Your Anatomy & Physiology Course | TAPP 143The A&P Professor
In episode 143 of The A&P Professor podcast for anatomy and physiology faculty, host Kevin Patton uncovers the super-secret, single, ultimate teaching strategy you need to keep your course tuned up and effective. He also revisits the "out there" transducer model of the brain and suggests a connection with a recent discovery supporting quantum wave activity in brain cell microtubules. Yes, quantum waves in the microtubules. Kevin also clarifies and expands on those wacky "extra" courses he described in Episodes 140 and 141. 00:00 | Introduction 00:51 | Clarifying Kevin's Wacky Supplemental...
info_outline Muscle: A Gripping Story by Roy Meals | TAPP 142The A&P Professor
Get pumped up for Episode 142, where we have the honor of hosting Dr. Roy Meals, the musculoskeletal maestro! 💪 We're gonna flex our curiosity muscles and explore every nook and cranny of his latest masterpiece, Muscle: The Gripping Story of Strength and Movement. This episode's so dynamic, you might need a protein shake afterward! 0:00:00 | Introduction 0:01:13 | Re-Introducing Dr. Roy Meals 0:04:08 | Muscle Strain & Why We Train 0:13:53 | What Sword Swallowing Teaches Us About Muscle 0:24:49 | Muscle Stories: Learning Should Be Fun 0:38:48 | Staying Connected...
info_outline Study Courses Supercharge Anatomy & Physiology Success | TAPP 141The A&P Professor
Get ready for a mind-bending 😲 rendezvous with Kevin Patton in Episode 141, where he continues to spill the beans on his top-secret recipe for student triumph. 🏆 Brace yourself for this next adventure on his whirlwind tour of revolutionizing A&P 1 education, as we dissect the art of identifying student pain points, personalizing preparation, and serving up the kind of mentorship they've been yearning for! 0:00:00 | Introduction 0:00:45 | One of Two Success Courses 0:09:48 | Setting Up the Supplement Course 0:18:44 | Structure of Class Sessions 0:40:17 |...
info_outline Pre-A&P: A Refresher for Student Success in Anatomy & Physiology | TAPP 140The A&P Professor
In episode 140, we introduce the development of the pre-A&P course and the A&P1 Supplement course. These courses address the challenges faced by A&P students and improve their readiness and comprehension. In this first of two episodes, we focus on the pre-A&P course. It focuses on filling subject knowledge gaps with 10 modules and cumulative tests. Student surveys and studies show its effectiveness in achieving higher grades in the A&P 1 course. Implementing these nontraditional courses requires collaboration and support from advisors and faculty members. Together, we...
info_outline Thinking New Thoughts about the Human Brain | TAPP 139The A&P Professor
In Episode 139, we explore a new discovery in nerve signaling in the brain called a dendritic action potential (dCaAP), we look at a whacky proposed model of brain function, and we share some ideas about how we can help our students understand the core concepts of chemical signaling and signal transduction in different contexts. Put on your thinking caps and jump into this fresh episode now. 00:00 | Introduction 00:50 | Dendritic Action Potentials 12:16 | Transducer Model of the Brain 21:43 | Chemical Signals & Signal Transduction 35:09 | Staying Connected ★ If you cannot see or...
info_outline Dancing Organelles, AI Resources, Distracting Animations, Timed Tests & Micro-credentials | TAPP 138The A&P Professor
In Episode 138 of The A&P Professor podcast for anatomy & physiology faculty, host Kevin Patton discusses some new thinking about organelle function, why decorative animations are not a good idea in our teaching slides, news about Wendy Riggs and the 2023 HAPS President's Medal, why I don't like timed tests, resources for AI in the curriculum, and why micro-credentials are our friends. With all that, how is that we left out any mention of carbaminohemoglobin? 00:00 | Introduction 00:50 | Wendy Riggs Wins Big 04:173 | Curricular Resources for AI 08:55 | Timed Online Tests 24:12 |...
info_outlineThe syllabus is an important instructional tool that sets the tone and provides guidance for the entire course. Host Kevin Patton discusses various aspects of a course syllabus in a comprehensive, extended episode featuring classic and fresh segments.
- 0:00:49 | The Syllabus Special
- 0:03:32 | Sponsored by AAA
- 0:04:22 | Weird Word: Syllabus
- 0:06:41 | Do Students Read the Syllabus?
- 0:13:23 | Reading & Raiding the Syllabus
- 0:27:32 | First-Day Activities
- 0:45:32 | Basic Elements of a Syllabus
- 0:58:40 | Sponsored by HAPI
- 0:59:33 | More Things to Put in a Syllabus
- 1:10:59 | Link to Other Resources
- 1:18:58 | Sponsored by HAPS
- 1:19:40 | Professionalism as a Course Goal
- 1:22:41 | Syllabus Warnings
- 1:38:03 | Nuzzel Newsletter
- 1:39:07 | Safety Advice
- 1:59:35 | Pronouns
- 2:02:22 | Long-Long Syllabus
- 2:07:32 | Staying Connected
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Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself. (John Dewey)
Weird Word: Syllabus
2.5 minutes
This segment is adapted from a segment that first appeared in Understanding How We Learn, A Chat with Yana Weinstein & Megan Sumeracki | Episode 27.
Which is correct: syllabuses or syllabi? The answer may surprise you! Nevertheless, now's a good time to think about tweaking your course documents for the fall semester.
Sponsored by AAA
1 minute
A searchable transcript for this episode, as well as the captioned audiogram of this episode, are sponsored by the American Association for Anatomy (AAA) at anatomy.org.
Don't forget—HAPS members get a deep discount on AAA membership!
The Anatomy Now Weekly issue with accessibility resources: my-ap.us/30tnHHH
Do Students Read the Syllabus?
6.5 minutes
This segment is adapted from a segment that was first aired in The Syllabus Episode | Bonus | Episode 24.
Do students read the syllabus? Maybe half? It's the other half who drive us nuts. Wait! do we always read the directions before asking questions?
What is a syllabus? It can be different things, right? Why do administrators seem to love the syllabus so much?
- Please share the first tweet in my Twitter feed: @theAPprofessor.org
- That "empathy thing" I'm always harping on: Caring for Students Helps Them Succeed
Reading & Raiding the Syllabus
14 minutes
This segment is adapted from a segment that was first aired in The Syllabus Episode | Bonus | Episode 24.
Some general considerations when designing a syllabus include make sure that students can both read the syllabus through, and raid the syllabus for key information when they need it. The key is simplicity and logic in syllabus design.
- READ and RAID your textbook (a link for students; explains the "read & raid principle" as applied to textbooks
- Storytelling is the Heart of Teaching A&P (the episode where I explain storytelling as a teaching technique)
- Utilize Clear Language (my take on simpler language to reach students)
- Temple Grandin, animal science professor and autism spokesperson; someone who "gets it" that we have to try to put our head inside their heads
- Recommended book: Animals in Translation
- Recommended video: Temple Grandin (the film starring Claire Danes)
First-Day Activities
18 minutes
This segment is adapted from a segment that was first aired in The Syllabus Episode | Bonus | Episode 24.
Is it just "here's the syllabus; see ya next class"—or is it an engaged look at important syllabus elements? The first day of class is key to starting things off on a good foot. What I learned from Krista, Michael, and Richard—and my own sideways twist on those first steps. What about a syllabus quiz? Is that a good or bad idea?
- Krista Rompolski PhD @KristaRompolski
- Recommended teacher gear: Leather index card wallet or Index card wallet
- Engaging Students on the First Day of Class (my first-day syllabus activity; adapted from Michael Glasgow & Richard Faircloth; click through to download copies of my handouts)
- First Impressions: Activities for the First Day of Class (article from Faculty Focus)
- Why be honest? (about academic integrity)
- Student Understanding
- This is what I use for my Pre-A&P course, a self-paced onine refresher course
- My web-enhanced on-campus courses use a similar list
- The online quiz turns each item into a multichoice "I understand" or "I do not understand" test item
- A perfect score unlocks the next item in the LMS, thus making this a necessary gateway to access course activities
- Test Zero
- Reviews prior content and syllabus contents
- Start A&P 2 with a Final Exam (explains my Test Zero for A&P 2)
- Teaching For Long-Term Learning (episode in which I explain my Test Zero approach)
Basic Elements of a Syllabus
13 minutes
This segment is adapted from a segment that was first aired in The Syllabus Episode | Bonus | Episode 24.
What exactly goes into a syllabus? Who decides? What are the essentials? This isn't comprehensive, but it gets us started.
- How to Write a Syllabus (a great online guide from Cult of Pedagogy)
- HAPS Learning Outcomes - Human Anatomy and Physiology Society (HAPS membership is required to access them)
- Anatomy Core Syllabi (from the Anatomical Society; different flavors [undergrad med, nursing, pharmacy] membership not required to access them)
- LifeSciTRC Syllabus Resources (free samples of A&P syllabi & related resources)
Sponsored by HAPI Online Graduate Program
2.5 minutes
The Master of Science in Human Anatomy & Physiology Instruction—the MS-HAPI—is a graduate program for A&P teachers, especially for those who already have a graduate/professional degree. A combination of science courses (enough to qualify you to teach at the college level) and courses in contemporary instructional practice, this program helps you be your best in both on-campus and remote teaching. Kevin Patton is a faculty member in this program. Check it out!
More Things to Put in a Syllabus
11.5 minutes
This segment is adapted from a segment that was first aired in The Syllabus Episode | Bonus | Episode 24.
Frank O'Neill recommends video walk-throughs, which have the added benefit of letting students know that you really do care about them. Consider also a table contents, abstract/summary, and/or index if the syllabus is long. How about a disclaimer, some playful tidbits, and links to external resources. And make sure your supervisors know what's in your syllabus!
- Frank O'Neill @growgraymatter
- 7 Ways Video Can Enhance the Student Experience (video of Frank's live presentation, in which he addresses how to use a video walk-through of an A&P syllabus to give students a good first impression)
- Cumulative Testing Makes Learning Last (episode in which I discuss brief video walkthrough; click through for a link to more resources)
- Professors Are from Mars®, Students Are from Snickers®: How to Write and Deliver Humor in the Classroom and in Professional Presentations (recommended book)
- Playful & Serious Is the Perfect Combo for A&P (previous episode explaining the value of playfulness in the A&P course)
Link to Other Resources
8 minutes
This segment is adapted from a segment that was first aired in The Syllabus Episode | Bonus | Episode 24.
Consider putting hyperlinks or URLs in the syllabus to take students to other resources. Consider linking to a FAQ page, wher you explain your rationals for doing things the way that you do them in your course.
- Additional links you may find useful
- Syllabus Resources for A&P (from the TAPP blog)
- Help Your A&P Students Get Off to a Good Start (from the TAPP blog)
- Academic integrity in A&P (from the TAPP blog)
- Search medical errors Communication, Clarity, & Medical Errors | Episode 55 (is spelling important?)
- Some links that your students may find helpful:
- The A&P Student (Kevin's blog for A&P students; rich source of advice you can give your students; theAPstudent.org)
- Lion Den (Kevin's website with all kinds of study skills tips and resources for A&P students; LionDen.com)
- Medical Science Navigator (Margaret Thompson Reece’s website for helping A&P students; she offers mini-courses!)
- Getting a Good Start in your Anatomy & Physiology Course
- Why be honest? (about academic integrity)
- Why deadlines are important
- Is spelling important?
- Help significant others help you (getting busy students—especially returning learners—off to a great start)
- Get Your Head in the Game - 5 Tips for Success in Learning (metacognition for A&P students)
- 9 Proven Tricks for Reducing Test Anxiety (for A&P students)
Sponsored by HAPS
1 minute
The Human Anatomy & Physiology Society (HAPS) is a sponsor of this podcast. You can help appreciate their support by clicking the link below and checking out the many resources and benefits found there. Watch for virtual town hall meetings and upcoming regional meetings!
Professionalism as a Course Goal
3 minutes
This segment is adapted from the featured segment in Communication, Clarity, & Medical Errors | Episode 55.
Sometimes a student frets about the A&P course being "not a spelling course" or "not an English course" — but professional communication is an essential skill for health professionals. Why not add this statement to our syllabus and/or other course documents?
Here's an example of an item from my syllabus learning outcomes and objectives from my Pre-A&P course related to professionalism:
- work independently in a self-paced online science course
- succeed in taking online tests and exams
- communicate in professional scientific language, including correct spelling and usage of terminology
- exhibit ethical professional behavior, including academic integrity
Useful links:
- The Syllabus Episode | Bonus | Episode 24
- Promoting Academic Integrity in Our Course | Episode 25
- Modeling Professional Integrity | Episode 26
Syllabus Warnings
15.5 minutes
This segment is adapted from a segment that was first published in Warnings & Safety Tips in the A&P Syllabus | Episode 57.
Kevin usually has a Warnings! page in his syllabus or other course documents. It contains three warnings about, and rationale explaining, some important things a student should know before continuing in the A&P course. There is shouting involved.
- The Syllabus Episode | Bonus | Episode 24
- Help significant others help YOU (a brief blog post for students; link to this from your course webpage, learning management system, and/or syllabus) my-ap.us/rgNZ27
- Supporting Returning Learners | Episode 9
- Bonus handout!
- Syllabus Warnings
- Available only in the free podcast app (the TAPP APP)
- For iOS devices: my-ap.us/TAPPiOS
- For Android devices: my-ap.us/TAPPandroid
Nuzzel Newsletter
1 minute
In the Nuzzel Newsletter for The A&P Professor, host Kevin Patton selects daily headlines that may be of interest to anatomy and/or physiology faculty. This Nuzzel newsletter is published five days a week (more or less).
To check out the archives of past Nuzzels, or to subscribe, go to: nuzzel.com/theAPprofessor
Safety Advice
20.5 minutes
This segment is adapted from a segment that was first published in Warnings & Safety Tips in the A&P Syllabus | Episode 57.
We're held responsible (at least in part) for the safety of everyone in our classroom. How best to prepare for and facilitate safety?
- Teaching For Long Term Learning | Episode 7 (includes discussion of Test Zero)
- Active Shooter Booklet (free PDF from Department of Homeland Security) my-ap.us/DHSbooklet
- Bonus handout!
- Safety First!
- Available only in the free podcast app (the TAPP APP)
- For iOS devices: my-ap.us/TAPPiOS
- For Android devices: my-ap.us/TAPPandroid
Personal Pronouns
2.5 minutes
Introducing our own preferred gender pronouns opens the door for including the personal pronoun preference of student (should that be important to them) and can help connect with our students in ways that improve the learning environment.
- Gender Pronouns and Teaching my-ap.us/31gbzst
- The Problem With Pronouns my-ap.us/2CZjrU0
Long-Long Syllabus
5 minutes
A syllabus could become massive. As with the massiveness of an elephant, the large size may be "just right." But maybe not. There are ways to reduce the size of a syllabus without losing any important content. And there ways to make a large syllabus easier to read and easier to raid. This segment revisits some ideas brought up in earlier parts of this episode.
- Yes, Your Syllabus Is Way Too Long (Chronicle of Higher Education article mentioned in this segment) my-ap.us/33mhP4x
- The Elephant Episode | Episode 31 (about elephants, not syllabi)
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More details at the episode page.
Transcript available in the transcript box.
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Need help accessing resources locked behind a paywall? Check out this advice from Episode 32 to get what you need! https://youtu.be/JU_l76JGwVw?t=440