by Angela Askey, Executive Director Public Relations and Marketing
Central Arizona College students enrolled in BIO201 and BIO202 are experiencing a new form of learning using MANIKEN® Student Models and clay in these human anatomy and physiology courses.
Professor of Biological Sciences Samuli Rauhalammi introduced the ANATOMY IN CLAY® Learning Systems to 14 students enrolled in BIO201 at the Aravaipa Campus.
The goal of this new teaching method is to minimize the time spent on lectures, allowing students’ time for self-discovery and hands-on learning. Students learn about all body systems including skeletal, muscular, nervous, tissue types and cell function. At the end of the class, they will complete a case study of a chosen clinical condition.
Professor Rauhalammi explains, “Each student receives a half-skeleton model that will stay with them for the two years they are enrolled in the biology courses. The students put together their model, one system at a time and each model develops their own characteristics. Through this method, all learning styles (visual, kinesthetic, and auditory) are addressed. It is a paradigm flip for the classroom.”
Kyndra Barney, a BIO201 student said, “I’m a visual learner, so it was nice to have something to look at.”
Although this currently is only being provided in biology courses taught at the Aravaipa campus, this teaching method was rolled out districtwide in fall 2018.
Multiple students have commented about the positive benefits of this learning model.
Maranda Petty: “I feel the hands-on part of the class with clay models was very useful. They gave a better understanding of where the body parts are placed. I really enjoyed it.”
Jacob Reidhead: “I found the clay model to be very useful in learning about the body. I got to see it. If it was just a lecture, it would be hard to see what they looked like.”
Kadi Monfred: “This is the best class I’ve ever had at CAC.”
Visit centralaz.edu or one of the college’s five locations for more information.
