"AmI for health: chronic disease management"

Area of Science:

• Bioengineering Education
• Pedagogical Strategies in STEM

Background:

• Students in Bioengineering programs frequently report challenges with the volume of theoretical coursework.
• Difficulty in assimilating complex theoretical concepts is a common issue, potentially hindering learning outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To address student complaints regarding excessive theory in Bioengineering.
• To propose and evaluate an innovative teaching strategy that combines theoretical instruction with practical application.
• To enhance student motivation and engagement in Bioengineering studies through an integrated approach.

Main Methods:

• Development of a curriculum module incorporating hands-on laboratory sessions and project-based learning.
• Integration of theoretical concepts directly into practical exercises and problem-solving scenarios.
• Assessment of student engagement and learning outcomes through surveys and performance metrics.

Main Results:

• The integrated theory-practice teaching strategy led to a noticeable increase in student motivation.
• Students reported improved understanding and assimilation of complex Bioengineering topics.
• Qualitative feedback indicated higher levels of engagement compared to traditional lecture-based methods.

Conclusions:

• A blended approach to Bioengineering education, merging theory with practice, is effective in improving student engagement.
• This pedagogical strategy can significantly enhance the learning experience and knowledge retention for Bioengineering students.
• Implementing practical components alongside theoretical content is crucial for addressing common student learning difficulties.