An agenda for research on teaching of physiology

Calls to reform American medical education have not led to marked changes in the teaching of physiology. In large measure, this is the result of ignorance about how to most effectively teach physiology, a discipline requiring mastery of a complex domain in which the ability to solve problems is essential. However, contemporary cognitive science is beginning to provide us with the needed knowledge. After reviewing some of the key findings in this area, an agenda for research on topics specifically relevant to teaching physiology is proposed.