A partially flipped physiology classroom improves the deep learning approach of medical students

Abstract

This study aimed to compare the impact of the partially flipped physiology classroom (PFC) and the traditional lecture-based classroom (TLC) on students' learning approaches. The study was conducted over five months at Xiangya School of Medicine from February to July 2022 and comprised 71 students majoring in clinical medicine. The experimental group (n = 32) received PFC teaching, while the control group (n = 39) received TLC. The Revised Two-Factor Study Process Questionnaire (R-SPQ-2F) was used to assess the impact of different teaching methods on students' learning approaches. After the PFC, students got significantly higher scores on deep learning approach (Z=-3.133, P<0.05). Conversely, after the TLC, students showed significantly higher scores on surface learning approach (Z=-2.259, P<0.05). After the course, students in the PFC group scored significantly higher in deep learning strategy than those in the TLC group (Z=-2.196, P<0.05). The PFC model had a positive impact on the deep learning motive and strategy, leading to an improvement in the deep approach, which is beneficial for the long-term development of students. In contrast, the TLC model only improved the surface learning approach. The study implies that educators should consider implementing PFC to enhance students' learning approaches.