The A&P Professor: 2021

Tuesday, December 7, 2021

Ungrading With Standards-Based Grading | A Chat With Staci Johnson | TAPP 106

Dr. Staci Johnson joins host Kevin Patton for a chat about how she uses ungrading with standards-based grading in her anatomy and physiology course. What is ungrading? Can one ease into it? Does it work? Plus, a related Book Club recommendation!

00:00 | Introduction

00:48 | Ungrading

03:05 | Sponsored by AAA

03:41 | Dr. Staci Johnson

24:06 | Sponsored by HAPI

24:55 | More Ungrading

45:12 | Sponsored by HAPS

45:52 | Long Winter's Nap

48:32 | Book Club: Ungrading

51:43 | Staying Connected

★ If you cannot see or activate the audio player, go to: theAPprofessor.org/podcast-episode-106.html

🏅 Apply for your credential (badge/certificate) for listening to this episode: theAPprofessor.org/podcast-episode-106.html/#badge

❓ Please take the anonymous survey: theAPprofessor.org/survey

☝️ Questions & Feedback: 1-833-LION-DEN (1-833-546-6336)

✔️ Follow The A&P Professor on Twitter, Facebook, Blogger, Revue, Tumblr, or Instagram! @theAPprofessor

📰 Get the almost-daily TAPP Science & Education Updates theAPprofessor.org/updates

The more their attention is directed to how well they’re doing, the less engaged they tend to be with what they’re doing. (Susan D. Blum)

Ungrading

2 minutes

Recent episodes of this podcast have called into question the common practices in grading, which leads us to a discussion of the movement called ungrading in this episode. In later segments, we chat with Dr. Staci Johnson of Southern Wesleyan University, who is experimenting with ungrading in her courses.

★ Staci Johnson's website stacinjohnson.com

★ Grading for Proficiency | Book Club: The One World School House | TAPP 103

★ twitter.com/theAPprofessor Please follow @theAPprofessor to join the conversation!

★ Ungrading: an FAQ (from Jesse Stommel, a veteran of ungrading) AandP.info/ungrading-faq-1fcf92

★ Grades are dehumanising, but ‘ungrading’ is no simple solution (also from Jesse Stommel) AandP.info/grades-dehumanising-e6a0dc

Sponsored by AAA

0.5 minutes

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.

Searchable transcript

Captioned audiogram

Don't forget—HAPS members get a deep discount on AAA membership!

Dr. Staci Johnson

20.5 minutes

The first of a two-part conversation, Staci Johnson explains what she means by ungrading with standards-based grading. Then she begins her description of ways she's been implementing these strategies in her courses.

★ Ungrading (episode 350 of Teaching in Higher Ed podcast with guest Susan D. Blum, editor of Ungrading book; mentioned in this episode) AandP.info/susan-blum-dcf0a1

★ Ungrading: Why Rating Students Undermines Learning (and What to Do Instead) (book by Susan D. Blum mentioned in this episode) https://geni.us/GY9Ds6

★ Specifications Grading: Restoring Rigor, Motivating Students, and Saving Faculty Time (book by Linda B. Nilson mentioned in this episode) geni.us/QBoWd9W

★ HAPS Learning Outcomes (from home page, navigate to Resources > Learning Outcomes) theAPprofessor.org/haps

Sponsored by HAPI Online Graduate Program

0.5 minute

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 at Northeast College of Health Sciences. Check it out!

northeastcollege.edu/hapi

More Ungrading

20 minutes

Second of our two-part conversation with Staci Johnson about ungrading with standards-based grading in the anatomy and physiology course. In this segment we learn more about how things are working in Staci's courses.

Sponsored by HAPS

0.5 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!

Anatomy & Physiology Society

theAPprofessor.org/haps

Long Winter's Nap

2.5 minutes

This is the last episode of 2021. The next episode is planned for release in the third week of January 2022. That episode will be a look back at the last year, including checking out how Kevin's predictions from last year's January episode worked out. There will be new predictions for the coming year, plus some goals for new habits and new things to try. Why not call in your predictions or plans for the upcoming year? The hotline is open!

86 | What a Year! | Pandemic Teaching & More | A Reflection (last year's January episode)

Book Club

3 minutes

Our new recommendation for The A&P Professor Book Club for Anatomy and Physiology Faculty is:

★ Ungrading: Why Rating Students Undermines Learning (and What to Do Instead)

★ Edited by Susan D. Blum

★ geni.us/GY9Ds6

★ Book club entry: TAPP Book Club #42

★ Get your digital credential for reading this book: TAPP Credential B042

If the hyperlinks here are not active, go to TAPPradio.org to find the episode page.

★ More details at the episode page: theAPprofessor.org/podcast-episode-106.html

★ Transcript available in the transcript box: theAPprofessor.org/podcast-episode-106.html

★ Need help accessing resources locked behind a paywall? Check out this advice from Episode 32 to get what you need! my-ap.us/paywall

Take The A&P Professor experience to the next level!

★ theAPprofessor.org/community

Earn cash by referring other A&P faculty to this podcast:

★ theAPprofessor.org/refer

Tools & Resources

★ TAPP Science & Education Updates: theAPprofessor.org/updates

★ Amazon: amzn.to/2r6Qa3J

★ Text Expander: theapprofessor.org/textexpander

★ Rev.com: try.rev.com/Cw2nZ

★ Snagit & Camtasia: techsmith.pxf.io/9MkPW

★ Krisp Free Noise-Cancelling App: theAPprofessor.org/krisp

★ JotForm (build forms for free): theAPprofessor.org/jotform

★ The A&P Professor Logo Items: https://www.teepublic.com/stores/the-a-p-professor

Sponsors

★ Transcript and captions for this episode are supported by the American Association for Anatomy | anatomy.org

★ The Human Anatomy & Physiology Society provides marketing support for this podcast | theAPprofessor.org/haps

★ Distribution of this episode is supported by the Northeast College of Health Sciences online graduate program in Human Anatomy & Physiology Instruction (HAPI) | northeast.edu/hapi

Clicking on sponsor links helps let them know you appreciate their support of this podcast!

Follow The A&P Professor on Twitter, Facebook, Blogger, Revue, Tumblr, or Instagram @theAPprofessor

The A&P Professor® and Lion Den® are registered trademarks of Lion Den Inc. (Kevin Patton)

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I may be compensated for links to sponsors and certain other links.

Click here to listen to this episode—or access the detailed notes and transcript.

Tuesday, November 16, 2021

Is Anatomy Finished? | A Review of New Discoveries | TAPP 105

Are there really no more discoveries in human anatomy? In this episode, I'll review some recent discoveries: the rise of the fabella, macrophage barriers, the interstitium, button and zipper junctions, lymph node micro-organs, new vessels in bones, and tubarial salivary glands.

00:00 | Introduction

00:41 | Is Anatomy Finished?

03:44 | Sponsored by AAA

04:16 | Rise of the Fabella

11:52 | Sponsored by HAPI

12:38 | Macrophage Barriers

23:18 | Sponsored by HAPS

23:55 | Interstitium

27:48 | Button and Zipper Junctions

35:28 | Lymphatic Micro-Organ

40:05 | Free Update Newsletter

41:05 | New Vessels in Bones

44:44 | Tubarial Salivary Glands

52:37 | Staying Connected

★ If you cannot see or activate the audio player, go to: theAPprofessor.org/podcast-episode-105.html

🏅 Apply for your credential (badge/certificate) for listening to this episode: theAPprofessor.org/podcast-episode-105.html/#badge

❓ Please take the anonymous survey: theAPprofessor.org/survey

☝️ Questions & Feedback: 1-833-LION-DEN (1-833-546-6336)

✔️ Follow The A&P Professor on Twitter, Facebook, Blogger, Revue, Tumblr, or Instagram! @theAPprofessor

📰 Get the almost-daily TAPP Science & Education Updates theAPprofessor.org/updates

It is not over, unless you stop trying. (Nabil N. Jamal)

Is Anatomy Finished?

3 minutes

It's easy to fall into that mindset that anatomy is "finished"—that there are no new discoveries to be made in the structure of the human body. But that's simply not the case. In this episode, Kevin reviews seven anatomical discoveries discussed in the last few years of this podcast.

Sponsored by AAA

0.5 minutes

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.

Searchable transcript

Captioned audiogram

Don't forget—HAPS members get a deep discount on AAA membership!

Rise of the Fabella

7.5 minutes

The fabella (pl., fabellae) is a small, beanlike bone that may (or not) occur behind the knee joint. Recent evidence shows that it's showing up more frequently in the population. Why?

T★ he original version of this segment aired in Anatomic Variations in Humans | Fabella | Situs Inversus | Episode 43

★ Fabella prevalence rate increases over 150 years, and rates of other sesamoid bones remain constant: a systematic review (recent research article) my-ap.us/2WkRSMs

★ Sore knee? Maybe you have a fabella (plain English report from the BBC) my-ap.us/2Wmd6cN

★ Fabella x-radiograph (to use in your course) my-ap.us/2Wm6Di3

★ An illustration you can download as a PDF and use is available in the free TAPP APP theAPprofessor.org/TAPPapp

★ Improbable Destinies: Fate, Chance, and the Future of Evolution by Jonathan B. Losos (book on updated ideas of evolution) amzn.to/2L9fzCE

★ ★ Browse The A&P Professor Book Club my-ap.us/bookclub

Fabella image: Jmarchn (my-ap.us/2Wm6Di3)

Sponsored by HAPI Online Graduate Program

0.5 minute

northeastcollege.edu/hapi

Barrier Macrophages

10.5 minutes

We knew there were macrophages within, and upon, the synovial membrane that lines synovial joints. What we have just learned is that macrophages on the synovial membrane surface can bind with tight junctions to form a barrier layer. Go figure.

★ The original version of this segment aired in More on Spelling, Case, & Grammar | Episode 56

★ Macrophages form a protective cellular barrier in joints (news summary) my-ap.us/33KVuLm

★ Locally renewing resident synovial macrophages provide a protective barrier for the joint (research article) my-ap.us/33H5e9H

Sponsored by HAPS

0.5 minute

Anatomy & Physiology Society

theAPprofessor.org/haps

Interstitium

3.5 minutes

Has a new human organ discovered? Or is this news mostly hype? Or is the answer somewhere in the middle?

★ The original version of this segment first aired in Test Debriefing Boosts Student Learning | Episode 11

★ Structure and Distribution of an Unrecognized Interstitium in Human Tissues (original research report)

★ Newly-discovered human organ may help explain how cancer spreads (article about the original report)

★ That “New Organ” Everyone Is Freaking Out About Is Probably Not New (article outlining criticism of the original report)

★ Is the Interstitium Really a New Organ? (another article interprets the original report)

★ Is This Tissue a New Organ? Maybe. A Conduit for Cancer? It Seems Likely. (yet another opinion)

★ The Human Organ Discovered in 2018 (and we have another opinion)

Interstitium. Illustration by Jill Gregory. Printed with permission from Mount Sinai Health System, licensed under CC-BY-ND.

Button and Zipper Junctions

7.5 minutes

Are you familiar with the button junctions that connect overlapping endothelial cells in lymphatic capillaries in a way that forms valves? What about zippers? Where do they fit into the story? (They do.) Here are some links to the details behind a great demo that Kevin shares for understanding lymphatic structure and function.

★ The original version of this segment aired in Promoting Academic Integrity in Our Course | Episode 25

★ Functionally specialized junctions between endothelial cells of lymphatic vessels (2007 research article outlining button and zipper junctions; great images)

★ Plasticity of button-like junctions in the endothelium of airway lymphatics in development and inflammation. (2012 research article shows that zippers predominate in early development, but are then convert to buttons; also has some really cool images showing these junctions)

★ Lacteal junction zippering protects against diet-induced obesity (2018 research article)

★ ★ Tighter lymphatic junctions prevent obesity (perspective and summary of the research article; includes a nice slide you can use in teaching)

Lymphatic Micro-Organ

4.5 minutes

One headline announced the discovering of a new human micro-organ. It turns out, researchers have found a distinct structure just beneath the capsule of lymph nodes called the subcapsular proliferative focus (SPF) where memory B cells hang out—not deep in the germinal center (GC). This puts them in a good position to be activated by macrophages acting as antigen-presenting cells (APCs) and mount a strong secondary immune response.

★ The original version of this segment first aired in Modeling Professional Integrity | Episode 26

★ Researchers Discover New ‘Micro-Organ’ in Human Immune System (news item about the discovery)

★ Memory B cells are reactivated in subcapsular proliferative foci of lymph nodes (research article from Nature Communications)

★ Second Harmonic Generation Imaging Microscopy: Applications to Diseases Diagnostics (describes the SHG method used to visualize the lymph node cells; see image)

Free Update Newsletter from The A&P Professor

1 minute

A newly envisioned, newly styled, digital newsletter from The A&P Professor features news stories and updates in human science and education curated by Kevin Patton. To get your copy 2-3 times each week—or to simply check out previous editions—of this free newsletter, go to theAPprofessor.org/updates

Or fill out the form...

[revue_subscribe]

New Vessels in Bone

3.5 minutes

Scientists have discovered a system of small vessels that cross every part of a bone's cortical layers to supply most of the bone's blood—over 80% of the arterial supply and 59% of venous drainage. The proposed name is trans-cortical vessels (TCVs).

★ The original version of this segment aired in Big Year in Anatomy & Physiology Teaching with The A&P Professor | Episode 36

★ We’ve discovered a new type of blood vessel in our bones (brief article summarizing the discovery) my-ap.us/2B6tHce

★ A network of trans-cortical capillaries as mainstay for blood circulation in long bones (full research article) my-ap.us/2B6ttSq

★ Video (gif) showing a virtual trip through a TCV my-ap.us/2B6XX6H

Tubarial Salivary Glands

8 minutes

A recent paper proposes the existence of a new organ—the paired tubarial salivary gland. It's suggested that this be added as a major salivary gland along with the parotid, submandibular, and submaxillary salivary glands.

★ The original version of this segment aired in New Organ | Dam Protons | Our Secret Language | TAPP 80

★ The tubarial salivary glands: A potential new organ at risk for radiotherapy (original research article) my-ap.us/3khGFZe

★ Doctors May Have Found Secretive New Organs in the Center of Your Head (newspaper article) my-ap.us/31L4RvV

★ Cancer researchers discover new salivary gland (press release about discovery) my-ap.us/3m9mc9w

★ Image: my-ap.us/3jgsO3T (CC license)

If the hyperlinks here are not active, go to TAPPradio.org to find the episode page.

★ More details at the episode page: theAPprofessor.org/podcast-episode-105.html

★ Transcript available in the transcript box: theAPprofessor.org/podcast-episode-105.html

★ Need help accessing resources locked behind a paywall? Check out this advice from Episode 32 to get what you need! my-ap.us/paywall

Take The A&P Professor experience to the next level!

★ theAPprofessor.org/community

Earn cash by referring other A&P faculty to this podcast:

★ theAPprofessor.org/refer

Tools & Resources

★ TAPP Science & Education Updates: theAPprofessor.org/updates

★ Amazon: amzn.to/2r6Qa3J

★ Text Expander: theapprofessor.org/textexpander

★ Rev.com: try.rev.com/Cw2nZ

★ Snagit & Camtasia: techsmith.pxf.io/9MkPW

★ Krisp Free Noise-Cancelling App: theAPprofessor.org/krisp

★ JotForm (build forms for free): theAPprofessor.org/jotform

★ The A&P Professor Logo Items: https://www.teepublic.com/stores/the-a-p-professor

Sponsors

★ Transcript and captions for this episode are supported by the American Association for Anatomy | anatomy.org

★ The Human Anatomy & Physiology Society provides marketing support for this podcast | theAPprofessor.org/haps

★ Distribution of this episode is supported by the Northeast College of Health Sciences online graduate program in Human Anatomy & Physiology Instruction (HAPI) | northeast.edu/hapi

Clicking on sponsor links helps let them know you appreciate their support of this podcast!

Follow The A&P Professor on Twitter, Facebook, Blogger, Revue, Tumblr, or Instagram @theAPprofessor

The A&P Professor® and Lion Den® are registered trademarks of Lion Den Inc. (Kevin Patton)

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I may be compensated for links to sponsors and certain other links.

Click here to listen to this episode—or access the detailed notes and transcript.

Tuesday, November 2, 2021

Should Students Change Answers? | Journal Club with Krista Rompolski | TAPP 104

Krista Rompolski joins us for another Journal Club episode—bringing us a study about how students change answers on their tests. Is it better for a student to change their multiple choice response or to avoid doing that? The answer may surprise you!

00:00 | Introduction

00:45 | Journal Club

03:21 | Sponsored by AAA

03:53 | Article Summary

09:13 | Sponsored by HAPI

10:00 | Should Students Change Answers?

27:44 | Sponsored by HAPS

28:21 | Standardized Exams, Test Anxiety, and Mindset

53:14 | Staying Connected

★ If you cannot see or activate the audio player, go to: theAPprofessor.org/podcast-episode-104.html

🏅 Apply for your credential (badge/certificate) for listening to this episode: theAPprofessor.org/podcast-episode-104.html/#badge

❓ Please take the anonymous survey: theAPprofessor.org/survey

☝️ Questions & Feedback: 1-833-LION-DEN (1-833-546-6336)

✔️ Follow The A&P Professor on Twitter, Facebook, Blogger, Revue, Tumblr, or Instagram! @theAPprofessor

📰 Get the almost-daily TAPP Science & Education Updates theAPprofessor.org/updates

Only the wisest, and the stupidest, people never change. (Confucius)

Journal Club

2.5 minutes

We welcome Dr. Krista Rompolski back for another Journal Club episode.

Sponsored by AAA

0.5 minutes

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.

Searchable transcript

Captioned audiogram

Don't forget—HAPS members get a deep discount on AAA membership!

Article Summary

5 minutes

Krista summarizes the following research paper:

Should students change their answers on multiple choice questions? (article from Advances in Physiology Education) AandP.info/students-88c2c4

Sponsored by HAPI Online Graduate Program

0.5 minute

northeastcollege.edu/hapi

Should Students Change Answers?

17.5 minutes

Krista and Kevin chat about the research paper and their own experiences as both students and faculty regarding test-taking skills.

Sponsored by HAPS

0.5 minute

Anatomy & Physiology Society

theAPprofessor.org/haps

Standardized Exams, Test Anxiety, and Mindset

25 minutes

The conversation ranges wide as Kevin and Krista talk about standardized exams, test anxiety (or perhaps simply test nervousness), and the role of mindset in student success and student ability.

If the hyperlinks here are not active, go to TAPPradio.org to find the episode page.

★ More details at the episode page: theAPprofessor.org/podcast-episode-104.html

★ Transcript available in the transcript box: theAPprofessor.org/podcast-episode-104.html

★ Need help accessing resources locked behind a paywall? Check out this advice from Episode 32 to get what you need! my-ap.us/paywall

Take The A&P Professor experience to the next level!

★ theAPprofessor.org/community

Earn cash by referring other A&P faculty to this podcast:

★ theAPprofessor.org/refer

Tools & Resources

★ TAPP Science & Education Updates: theAPprofessor.org/updates

★ Amazon: amzn.to/2r6Qa3J

★ Text Expander: theapprofessor.org/textexpander

★ Rev.com: try.rev.com/Cw2nZ

★ Snagit & Camtasia: techsmith.pxf.io/9MkPW

★ Krisp Free Noise-Cancelling App: theAPprofessor.org/krisp

★ JotForm (build forms for free): theAPprofessor.org/jotform

★ The A&P Professor Logo Items: https://www.teepublic.com/stores/the-a-p-professor

Sponsors

★ Transcript and captions for this episode are supported by the American Association for Anatomy | anatomy.org

★ The Human Anatomy & Physiology Society provides marketing support for this podcast | theAPprofessor.org/haps

★ Distribution of this episode is supported by the Northeast College of Health Sciences online graduate program in Human Anatomy & Physiology Instruction (HAPI) | northeast.edu/hapi

Clicking on sponsor links helps let them know you appreciate their support of this podcast!

Follow The A&P Professor on Twitter, Facebook, Blogger, Revue, Tumblr, or Instagram @theAPprofessor

The A&P Professor® and Lion Den® are registered trademarks of Lion Den Inc. (Kevin Patton)

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I may be compensated for links to sponsors and certain other links.

Click here to listen to this episode—or access the detailed notes and transcript.

Tuesday, October 19, 2021

Grading for Proficiency | Book Club: The One World School House | TAPP 103

Can we create a course that ensures a student is proficient in all concept groups and not just in some? Where everyone who passes is at a B+ level of proficiency (or better)? In this episode, host Kevin Patton describes his experiment with what he calls proficiency grading. And we have new and appropriately controversial selection for The A&P Professor Book Club: The One World School House by Salman Khan.

00:00 | Introduction

00:56 | Book Club: The One World School House

13:30 | Sponsored by AAA

14:20 | Does Averaging Grades Measure Proficiency?

21:35| Sponsored by HAPI

22:20 | Importance of Foundation Concepts

29:46| Sponsored by HAPS

30:26 | Example of Proficiency Testing

38:47 | Staying Connected

★ If you cannot see or activate the audio player, go to: theAPprofessor.org/podcast-episode-103.html

🏅 Apply for your credential (badge/certificate) for listening to this episode: theAPprofessor.org/podcast-episode-103.html/#badge

❓ Please take the anonymous survey: theAPprofessor.org/survey

☝️ Questions & Feedback: 1-833-LION-DEN (1-833-546-6336)

✔️ Follow The A&P Professor on Twitter, Facebook, Blogger, Revue, Tumblr, or Instagram! @theAPprofessor

📰 Get the almost-daily TAPP Science & Education Updates theAPprofessor.org/updates

It is the connections among concepts—or the lack of connections—that separate the students who memorize a formula for an exam only to forget it the next month and the students who internalize the concepts and are able to apply them when they need them a decade later. (Salmon Khan)

Book Club: The One World School House

12.5 minutes

A new entry in The A&P Professor Book Club, this book by Salman Khan, developer of Khan Academy, has been very influential for Kevin. Listen to some impressions of The One World School House: Education Reimagined in this segment, then read additional notes in The A&P Professor Book Club review.

★ Book Club for Anatomy & Physiology Professors

★ The One World School House book club description: my-ap.us/bookclub41

★ Bookstore description: geni.us/IgLjaXg

Sponsored by AAA

0.5 minutes

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.

Searchable transcript

Captioned audiogram

Don't forget—HAPS members get a deep discount on AAA membership!

Does Averaging Grades Measure Proficiency?

7 minutes

When we average our assignments and tests, or total their points, to arrive at a course grade, are we potentially glossing over deficits in learning? In this segment explores the idea that students may be incompetent in one or more groups of concepts and still get a B in our course. Might it be better to require a minimum score on all tests?

★ Quizzed About Tests | FAQs About Patton Test Strategies | TAPP 99

★ More Quizzing About Kevin’s Wacky Testing Scheme | Book Club | TAPP 100

★ Even MORE Test Answers | Normal Body Temperature? | TAPP 101

★ Online Testing Effectiveness Data | Turning My Gray Hair Brown | TAPP 102

Sponsored by HAPI Online Graduate Program

0.5 minute

northeastcollege.edu/hapi

Importance of Foundational Concepts

7.5 minutes

If a student performs under par on early course modules that require understanding foundational concepts, how can they be expected to succeed in later modules that require that foundational knowledge? Maybe that's not the best approach.

Sponsored by HAPS

0.5 minute

Anatomy & Physiology Society

theAPprofessor.org/haps

Example of Proficiency Grading

8.5 minutes

Here, Kevin shares some experience from his Pre-A&P course—which uses proficiency grading. Each student must pass a module test with a B+ or better (85% score) before the next module is unlocked, eventually unlocking the final exam. All topics in the course must have a B+ score before students can pass this pass/fail course.

NOTE: The terms proficiency grading and mastery grading and related terms can each mean different things in different contexts. For the purpose of this episode, grading for proficiency means grading in a way that ensures that all essential objectives of a course are met at an acceptable level to pass that course. In other words, it's not possible to be deficient in any of the essential learning outcomes and still pass the course.

★ Success Supplements (recorded video seminar that discusses how Kevin's Pre-A&P course was developed)

★ Pre-A&P Foundations in Science (Kevin's course syllabus) lionden.com/fis.htm

If the hyperlinks here are not active, go to TAPPradio.org to find the episode page.

★ More details at the episode page: theAPprofessor.org/podcast-episode-103.html

★ Transcript available in the transcript box: theAPprofessor.org/podcast-episode-103.html

★ Need help accessing resources locked behind a paywall? Check out this advice from Episode 32 to get what you need! my-ap.us/paywall

Take The A&P Professor experience to the next level!

★ theAPprofessor.org/community

Earn cash by referring other A&P faculty to this podcast:

★ theAPprofessor.org/refer

Tools & Resources

★ TAPP Science & Education Updates: theAPprofessor.org/updates

★ Amazon: amzn.to/2r6Qa3J

★ Text Expander: theapprofessor.org/textexpander

★ Rev.com: try.rev.com/Cw2nZ

★ Snagit & Camtasia: techsmith.pxf.io/9MkPW

★ Krisp Free Noise-Cancelling App: theAPprofessor.org/krisp

★ JotForm (build forms for free): theAPprofessor.org/jotform

★ The A&P Professor Logo Items: https://www.teepublic.com/stores/the-a-p-professor

Sponsors

★ Transcript and captions for this episode are supported by the American Association for Anatomy | anatomy.org

★ The Human Anatomy & Physiology Society provides marketing support for this podcast | theAPprofessor.org/haps

★ Distribution of this episode is supported by the Northeast College of Health Sciences online graduate program in Human Anatomy & Physiology Instruction (HAPI) | northeast.edu/hapi

Clicking on sponsor links helps let them know you appreciate their support of this podcast!

Follow The A&P Professor on Twitter, Facebook, Blogger, Revue, Tumblr, or Instagram @theAPprofessor

The A&P Professor® and Lion Den® are registered trademarks of Lion Den Inc. (Kevin Patton)

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I may be compensated for links to sponsors and certain other links.

Click here to listen to this episode—or access the detailed notes and transcript.

Tuesday, October 5, 2021

Online Testing Effectiveness Data | Turning My Gray Hair Brown | TAPP 102

Can you believe it? Even more questions about my wacky testing scheme are answered in this episode—this time regarding stats demonstrating effectiveness of these strategies. I also talk about gray hair turning brown, naturally, why we do NOT want our students to master A&P concepts, and why we want to become the hippocampus. One of the weirdest episodes yet!

00:00 | Introduction

00:42 | Growing in Kindness

10;02 | Sponsored by AAA

10:52 | We Are the Hippocampus

17:03| Sponsored by HAPI

17:46 | Turn My Gray Hair Brown

22:39 | Sponsored by HAPS

23:18 | Online Testing: Effectiveness Data

50:16 | Staying Connected

★ If you cannot see or activate the audio player, go to: theAPprofessor.org/podcast-episode-102.html

🏅 Apply for your credential (badge/certificate) for listening to this episode: theAPprofessor.org/podcast-episode-102.html/#badge

❓ Please take the anonymous survey: theAPprofessor.org/survey

☝️ Questions & Feedback: 1-833-LION-DEN (1-833-546-6336)

✔️ Follow The A&P Professor on Twitter, Facebook, Blogger, Revue, Tumblr, or Instagram! @theAPprofessor

📰 Get the almost-daily TAPP Science & Education Updates theAPprofessor.org/updates

If you need statistics to prove it, it isn't true. (anonymous professor)

Growing in Kindness

9.5 minutes

Following up on a theme about being sensitive and accurate in our terminology introduced in Episode 101, Kevin discusses wrestling with the term master and its derivatives such as mastery. This is part of his efforts at becoming a kinder, more compassionate, and more empathetic teacher.

★ Even MORE Test Answers | Normal Body Temperature? | TAPP 101

★ Racist Computer Engineering Words: ‘Master,’ ‘Slave’ and the Fight Over Offensive Terms - The New York Times (article about controversy surrounding potentially offensive terminology) my-ap.us/3laBH3c

★ Let’s dump master-slave terms: they’re vague, horrible, and we’re better off without them (article about the controversy that examines alternatives) my-ap.us/3Bdgk6O

Sponsored by AAA

0.5 minutes

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.

Searchable transcript

Captioned audiogram

Don't forget—HAPS members get a deep discount on AAA membership!

We Are the Hippocampus

6 minutes

New information about the functions of the hippocampus suggest that it helps us link together memories to form a kind of narrative in our minds. Likewise, the A&P instructor helps students connect together seemingly distant concepts into a coherent narrative. Let's be the hippocampus!

★ The Storytelling Special | Episode 48

★ Hippocampus Is the Brain’s Storyteller - Neuroscience News (summary of recent discovery) my-ap.us/3uD7MUx

★ The hippocampus constructs narrative memories across distant events: Current Biology (research article about the discovery) my-ap.us/3a80azK

Sponsored by HAPI Online Graduate Program

0.5 minute

northeastcollege.edu/hapi

Turn My Gray Hair Brown

3 minutes

We know all too well that our hairs can turn from their natural color to white, giving the overall appearance of patches of gray hair. We also know that stress can be cause of that transformation. New research shows that in some people, a period of non-stress can allow some white hairs to return to their natural color. What?!

★ Making Mistakes Teaching Anatomy & Physiology | Episode 63 (includes segment on how stress causes graying of hair)

★ Gray Hair Can Return to Its Original Color--and Stress Is Involved, of Course - Scientific American (feature article summarizing new information on hair gray-reversal) my-ap.us/3l9a9uW

★ Quantitative mapping of human hair greying and reversal in relation to life stress | eLife (research article outlining the discovery) my-ap.us/2YsQUE9

Sponsored by HAPS

0.5 minute

Anatomy & Physiology Society

theAPprofessor.org/haps

Online Testing: Effectiveness Data

27 minutes

All kinds of practical tips on using randomized tests, why we (especially) need transparency when using them, making test items, formats, student-generated test items, and more.

★ Quizzed About Tests | FAQs About Patton Test Strategies | TAPP 99

★ More Quizzing About Kevin's Wacky Testing Scheme | Book Club | TAPP 100

★ Even MORE Test Answers | Normal Body Temperature? | TAPP 101

★ Testing as Teaching (seminar) theAPprofessor.org/testingasteaching

★ ★ This is an updated & re-recorded version of the invited conference paper Testing as Teaching Co-Medical Anatomy: A Practical View (Anatomical Science International 79 p. 188) presented at the 16th International Conference of the IFAA (Kyoto, Japan) in 2002.

If the hyperlinks here are not active, go to TAPPradio.org to find the episode page.

★ More details at the episode page: theAPprofessor.org/podcast-episode-102.html

★ Transcript available in the transcript box: theAPprofessor.org/podcast-episode-102.html

★ Need help accessing resources locked behind a paywall? Check out this advice from Episode 32 to get what you need! my-ap.us/paywall

Take The A&P Professor experience to the next level!

★ theAPprofessor.org/community

Earn cash by referring other A&P faculty to this podcast:

★ theAPprofessor.org/refer

Tools & Resources

★ TAPP Science & Education Updates: theAPprofessor.org/updates

★ Amazon: amzn.to/2r6Qa3J

★ Text Expander: theapprofessor.org/textexpander

★ Rev.com: try.rev.com/Cw2nZ

★ Snagit & Camtasia: techsmith.pxf.io/9MkPW

★ Krisp Free Noise-Cancelling App: theAPprofessor.org/krisp

★ JotForm (build forms for free): theAPprofessor.org/jotform

★ The A&P Professor Logo Items: https://www.teepublic.com/stores/the-a-p-professor

Sponsors

★ Transcript and captions for this episode are supported by the American Association for Anatomy | anatomy.org

★ The Human Anatomy & Physiology Society provides marketing support for this podcast | theAPprofessor.org/haps

★ Distribution of this episode is supported by the Northeast College of Health Sciences online graduate program in Human Anatomy & Physiology Instruction (HAPI) | northeast.edu/hapi

Clicking on sponsor links helps let them know you appreciate their support of this podcast!

Follow The A&P Professor on Twitter, Facebook, Blogger, Revue, Tumblr, or Instagram @theAPprofessor

The A&P Professor® and Lion Den® are registered trademarks of Lion Den Inc. (Kevin Patton)

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I may be compensated for links to sponsors and certain other links.

Click here to listen to this episode—or access the detailed notes and transcript.

Tuesday, September 21, 2021

Even MORE Test Answers | Normal Body Temperature? | TAPP 101

Have you ever really considered the actual meaning that word "normal" in the context of teaching anatomy and physiology? Is it even meaningful at all? We explore that in the context of human body temperature in Episode 101. And I give some practical tips as we continue our conversation about my open, online, randomized testing scheme.

0:00:00 | Introduction

0:00:47 | What Does Normal Mean?

0:08:32 | Sponsored by AAA

0:10:01 | What is Normal Body Temperature?

0:27:21| Sponsored by HAPI

0:29:13 | In Our Last Episode...

0:32:20 | Sponsored by HAPS

0:33:35 | Practical Tips on Testing

0:52:39 | What About Lab Practicals?

1:01:31 | Staying Connected

★ If you cannot see or activate the audio player, go to: theAPprofessor.org/podcast-episode-101.html

🏅 Apply for your credential (badge/certificate) for listening to this episode: theAPprofessor.org/podcast-episode-101.html/#badge

❓ Please take the anonymous survey: theAPprofessor.org/survey

☝️ Questions & Feedback: 1-833-LION-DEN (1-833-546-6336)

✔️ Follow The A&P Professor on Twitter, Facebook, Blogger, Revue, Tumblr, or Instagram! @theAPprofessor

📰 Get the almost-daily TAPP Science & Education Updates theAPprofessor.org/updates

Nobody realizes that some people expend tremendous energy merely to be normal. (Albert Camus)

What Does "Normal" Mean?

7.5 minutes

What does "normal" mean? In this segment, Kevin asks whether that (very commonly used) term is really all that helpful.

Note: In my narration, I estimated 30% of the text in my Anatomy & Physiology textbook is the word "normal." That was hyperbole. To make a point. That percentage is not accurate. Nor is is it "normal."

Sponsored by AAA

1.5 minutes

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.

Searchable transcript

Captioned audiogram

Don't forget—HAPS members get a deep discount on AAA membership!

What is Normal Body Temperature?

17 minutes

The "normal" discussion continues by examining ideas about what the average human body temperature is. Hint: it's NOT 37°C. And...wait for it...it's getting lower over time!

★ A Critical Appraisal of 98.6°F, the Upper Limit of the Normal Body Temperature, and Other Legacies of Carl Reinhold August Wunderlich (Mackowiak article in JAMA) my-ap.us/3tQd8eG

★ Decreasing human body temperature in the United States since the Industrial Revolution (article from eLife) my-ap.us/3AltIFI

★ eLife Podcast Episode 63 (segment 4 features an author of the cited eLife article) my-ap.us/3tOQqUc

★ Introduction to A&P (Kevin's student outline that covers body temp issues) lionden.com/ap1out-intro.htm

Sponsored by HAPI Online Graduate Program

1.5 minute

northeastcollege.edu/hapi

In Our Last Episode...

3 minutes

A brief recap of the two previous episodes, which prepares us for some follow-up discussion.

★ Quizzed About Tests | FAQs About Patton Test Strategies | TAPP 99

★ More Quizzing About Kevin’s Wacky Testing Scheme | Book Club | TAPP 100

Sponsored by HAPS

1.5 minute

Anatomy & Physiology Society

theAPprofessor.org/haps

Practical Tips on Testing

19 minutes

All kinds of practical tips on using randomized tests, why we (especially) need transparency when using them, making test items, formats, student-generated test items, and more.

★ Teaching in Higher Ed podcast with Bonni Stachowiak Episode 350 Ungrading with Susan D. Blum (includes a comment by Bonnie regarding adopting radical strategies in disciplines with board exams) my-ap.us/2WY4hLG

★ Testing as Teaching (online seminar containing info on my use of Respondus test-editing software)

★ Test Question Templates Help Students Learn | TAPP 70 (episode with Greg Crowther explaining his TQT system)

★ Weight Stigma! The Difficult Cadaver | Journal Club Episode | TAPP 93 (episode with Krista Rompolski and a discussion of weight bias among health professionals)

What About Lab Practicals?

8.5 minutes

More on how similar test items can cause issues for students who don't carefully examine each test item. Can open, online, randomized testing be used as a strategy to help students prepare for their lab practicals? Maybe even supplement or replace lab practicals during a pivot (like, um, er, a pandemic)?

If the hyperlinks here are not active, go to TAPPradio.org to find the episode page.

★ More details at the episode page: theAPprofessor.org/podcast-episode-101.html

★ Transcript available in the transcript box: theAPprofessor.org/podcast-episode-101.html

★ Need help accessing resources locked behind a paywall? Check out this advice from Episode 32 to get what you need! my-ap.us/paywall

Take The A&P Professor experience to the next level!

★ theAPprofessor.org/community

Earn cash by referring other A&P faculty to this podcast:

★ theAPprofessor.org/refer

Tools & Resources

★ TAPP Science & Education Updates: theAPprofessor.org/updates

★ Amazon: amzn.to/2r6Qa3J

★ Text Expander: theapprofessor.org/textexpander

★ Rev.com: try.rev.com/Cw2nZ

★ Snagit & Camtasia: techsmith.pxf.io/9MkPW

★ Krisp Free Noise-Cancelling App: theAPprofessor.org/krisp

★ JotForm (build forms for free): theAPprofessor.org/jotform

★ The A&P Professor Logo Items: https://www.teepublic.com/stores/the-a-p-professor

Sponsors

★ Transcript and captions for this episode are supported by the American Association for Anatomy | anatomy.org

★ The Human Anatomy & Physiology Society provides marketing support for this podcast | theAPprofessor.org/haps

★ Distribution of this episode is supported by the Northeast College of Health Sciences online graduate program in Human Anatomy & Physiology Instruction (HAPI) | northeast.edu/hapi

Clicking on sponsor links helps let them know you appreciate their support of this podcast!

Follow The A&P Professor on Twitter, Facebook, Blogger, Revue, Tumblr, or Instagram @theAPprofessor

The A&P Professor® and Lion Den® are registered trademarks of Lion Den Inc. (Kevin Patton)

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I may be compensated for links to sponsors and certain other links.

Click here to listen to this episode—or access the detailed notes and transcript.

Tuesday, September 7, 2021

More Quizzing About Kevin's Wacky Testing Scheme | Book Club | TAPP 100

After getting some questions after the previous episode, host Kevin Patton continues his discussion of his wacky scheme of open online testing. Not unrelated is a new entry of an old book into The A&P Professor Book Club—it's Ken Bain's classic book What The Best College Teachers Do. And we celebrate the one hundredth episode of this podcast!

0:00:00 | Introduction

0:00:42 | 100th Episode!

0:09:40 | Book Club

0:14:23 | Sponsored by AAA

0:16:07 | But, But, But...

0:29:00| Sponsored by HAPI

0:30:32 | An Open Test for All Seasons

0:58:58 | Sponsored by HAPS

1:00:27 | Test Feedback

1:19:16 | Staying Connected

★ If you cannot see or activate the audio player, go to: theAPprofessor.org/podcast-episode-100.html

🏅 Apply for your credential (badge/certificate) for listening to this episode: theAPprofessor.org/podcast-episode-100.html/#badge

❓ Please take the anonymous survey: theAPprofessor.org/survey

☝️ Questions & Feedback: 1-833-LION-DEN (1-833-546-6336)

✔️ Follow The A&P Professor on Twitter, Facebook, Blogger, Revue, Tumblr, or Instagram! @theAPprofessor

📰 Get the almost-daily TAPP Science & Education Updates theAPprofessor.org/updates

In the real world, the tests are all open book. (Jeff Jarvis)

100th Episode

9 minutes

We're celebrating the 100th episode of this podcast. Fighting the good fight against podfading is being won with every new episode. We appreciate your love, support, and help in keeping the fight ours.

★ Besides listening, you can support this podcast by...

★ ★ Sharing episodes (theAPprofessor.org/refer)

★ ★ Call the podcast hotline: 1.833.546.6336

★ ★ Ask questions or offer comments

★ ★ Come on an episode and talk about your paper, workshop, presentation, book, idea, questions, event, whatever.

Book Club

4.5 minutes

Kevin discusses his long-time favorite book about college teaching, Ken Bain's classic book, What the Best College Teachers Do.

★ Check out The A&P Professor Book Club description theAPprofessor.org/bookclub.html#badge-B040

★ Find more details about this book and how to purchase a copy geni.us/8AoG9QY

★ Already read the book? Claim your credential! form.jotform.com/212247110608142

Sponsored by AAA

1.5 minutes

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.

Searchable transcript

Captioned audiogram

Don't forget—HAPS members get a deep discount on AAA membership!

But, But, But...

13 minutes

Kevin discusses some questions and reactions to topics from the previous episode on his wacky scheme of cumulative, randomized, open, online tests.

★ Quizzed About Tests | FAQs About Patton Test Strategies | TAPP 99 (the episode upon which this discussion is based)

★ Kevin discusses teaching as an art and faculty as artists, bringing up the abstract paintings of Brian Smith briandavidsmith.com/about.html

★ The Case for Transparency | Episode 51 (more about the transparency discussed in this segment)

★ Taking Bold Steps in Teaching | Notetaking | Science Updates | TAPP 90 (includes strategies for getting colleagues and supervisors on board when trying something wacky, er, bold)

★ Pandemic Teaching (Kevin's book and other resources that discuss many of the topics discussed here)

Sponsored by HAPI Online Graduate Program

1.5 minute

nycc.edu/hapi

An Open Book for All Seasons

28.5 minutes

Are open-book tests appropriate for all kinds of courses? What about graduate vs. undergraduate? What about graduate programs in health professions? What about courses that prepare students for board exams or licensing exams? Not unrelated to these issues are issues of test integrity. Lots to discuss here!

★ Micro-Credentials & Gamification in the A&P Course | Brown & Black Skin | Refresher Tests | TAPP 87 (discusses the "Test Zero" refresher test)

★ Teaching in Higher Ed podcast with Bonni Stachowiak Episode 350 Ungrading with Susan D. Blum (includes a comment by Bonnie regarding adopting radical strategies in disciplines with board exams) my-ap.us/2WY4hLG

★ Using the calculator at my-ap.us/2Vj1PyH the number of possible versions of a test with 30 items, each with a 5-question pool of 5-choice multiple-choice items is 105,775,006,930,246,814,341,036,073,590,891,431,129,862,778,778,247,166,740,330,846,420,091,063,500,800,000,000

★ Promoting Academic Integrity in Our Course | Episode 25

★ The Cheater! Academic Integrity in Remote Learning | TAPP 81

Sponsored by HAPS

1.5 minute

Anatomy & Physiology Society

theAPprofessor.org/haps

Test Feedback

8.5 minutes

In this segment, Kevin discusses how open, online tests can be added to a scheme of closed exams. He continues with some ideas and strategies for giving students feedback on their online tests. And we circle back to transparency and how it needs to be done in multiple rounds.

★ Test Debriefing Boosts Student Learning | Episode 11

★ Test Item Analysis (walks students through the process of analyzing their scored tests to find patterns that can be fixed for subsequent tests; includes form that a student can use; you can link to this in your course) lionden.com/testreview.htm

★ Test Item Challenge (explains to students how to challenge a tests item) lionden.com/testchallenge.htm

If the hyperlinks here are not active, go to TAPPradio.org to find the episode page.

★ More details at the episode page: theAPprofessor.org/podcast-episode-100.html

★ Transcript available in the transcript box: theAPprofessor.org/podcast-episode-100.html

★ Need help accessing resources locked behind a paywall? Check out this advice from Episode 32 to get what you need! my-ap.us/paywall

Take The A&P Professor experience to the next level!

★ theAPprofessor.org/community

Earn cash by referring other A&P faculty to this podcast:

★ theAPprofessor.org/refer

Tools & Resources

★ TAPP Science & Education Updates: theAPprofessor.org/updates

★ Amazon: amzn.to/2r6Qa3J

★ Text Expander: theapprofessor.org/textexpander

★ Rev.com: try.rev.com/Cw2nZ

★ Snagit & Camtasia: techsmith.pxf.io/9MkPW

★ Krisp Free Noise-Cancelling App: theAPprofessor.org/krisp

★ JotForm (build forms for free): theAPprofessor.org/jotform

★ The A&P Professor Logo Items: https://www.teepublic.com/stores/the-a-p-professor

Sponsors

★ Transcript and captions for this episode are supported by the American Association for Anatomy | anatomy.org

★ The Human Anatomy & Physiology Society provides marketing support for this podcast | theAPprofessor.org/haps

★ Distribution of this episode is supported by the Northeast College of Health Sciences online graduate program in Human Anatomy & Physiology Instruction (HAPI) | northeast.edu/hapi

Clicking on sponsor links helps let them know you appreciate their support of this podcast!

Follow The A&P Professor on Twitter, Facebook, Blogger, Revue, Tumblr, or Instagram @theAPprofessor

The A&P Professor® and Lion Den® are registered trademarks of Lion Den Inc. (Kevin Patton)

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I may be compensated for links to sponsors and certain other links.

Click here to listen to this episode—or access the detailed notes and transcript.