In episode 140, we introduce the development of the pre-A&P course and the A&P1 Supplement course. These courses address the challenges faced by A&P students and improve their readiness and comprehension.  In this first of two episodes, we focus on the pre-A&P course. It focuses on filling subject knowledge gaps with 10 modules and cumulative tests. Student surveys and studies show its effectiveness in achieving higher grades in the A&P 1 course. Implementing these nontraditional courses requires collaboration and support from advisors and faculty members. Together, we aim to bridge the gap in subject preparation and learning skills for student success.

• 0:00:00 | Introduction
• 0:00:49  | Pre-A&P
• 0:22:37  | Course Design
• 0:39:51  | More About Module Tests
• 0:52:38  | Other Course Features
• 1:09:51  | Wrapping Up
• 1:21:10  | Staying Connected

 

---

★ If you cannot see or activate the audio player, go to: theAPprofessor.org/podcast-episode-140.html

🏅 Apply for your credential (badge/certificate) for listening to this episode: theAPprofessor.org/podcast-episode-140.html/#badge

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Please rate & review this podcast so that others can decide whether to give it a try: RateThisPodcast.com/theAPprofessor

❓ 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 once-or-twice-weekly TAPP Science & Education Updates theAPprofessor.org/updates

---

One important key to success is self-confidence. An important key to self-confidence is preparation. (Arthur Ashe)

 

Pre-A&P

21.5 minutes

We delve into the reasons behind developing the Pre-A&P and A&P 1 Supplement courses. We identify two major challenges faced by incoming A&P students: lack of subject preparation and insufficient learning skills. To combat these obstacles, the Pre-A&P course was created as a self-paced online refresher. It covers fundamental science topics like cell biology, metabolism, genetics, and body organization—thus helping students fill knowledge gaps. The A&P1 Supplement course, focused on developing more effective learning skills, will be the subject of the next episode.

★ Pre-A&P: Foundations in Science (online course syllabus for Kevin's BIO 095 course) lionden.com/fis.htm

★ Pre-A&P course description (from the college website) AandP.info/puj

★ The Prerequisite Problem | Wi-Fi Effects | Transplant Genomes | Episode 61

★ Success Supplements (an on-demand seminar summarizing these two courses)

Please rate & review The A&P Professor—it helps others decide whether to give us a try! 😁

★ RateThisPodcast.com/theAPprofessor

 

Course Design

17 minutes

In this segment, Kevin discusses the 10 modules of his Pre-A&P course, which cover essential concepts for success in anatomy and physiology. The modules include foundational topics such as science basics, introductory and biological chemistry, cell structure and function, cell transport, metabolism, protein synthesis, genetics, tissues, and the human body. Students take cumulative tests for each module and must score 85% or higher to unlock the next module. Kevin emphasizes the importance of reviewing and retesting to reinforce learning and overcome challenges.

★ Pre-A&P Modules (Kevin's course module list) lionden.com/fis.htm#worksoverview

★ Cumulative Testing Makes Learning Last | Episode 4

★ Pre-Testing for a Powerful Learning Boost | Episode 3

★ Pre-A&P Course Materials (Kevin's list of suggested textbooks & videos for students) lionden.com/fis.htm#course-materials

★ Test Item Analysis (a strategy and a tool to help students analyze their tests to find out exactly what went wrong) lionden.com/testreview.htm

★ Pre-A&P Success Pathway (an outline of the process from the BIO 095 syllabus) lionden.com/fis.htm#worksmastery

 

More About Module Tests

12.5 minutes

This segment discusses the nature of module tests in the Pre-A&P course, explaining that they can be both formative and summative depending on students' progress. Kevin emphasizes that the tests serve as retrieval practice, despite some controversy around the term. The tests are highly randomized to prevent cheating, and immediate feedback is provided through automatic scoring. The tests are untimed, promoting equity and accommodating students with various needs and circumstances.

★ Spaced Retrieval Practice | Episode 1

★ Revisiting Retrieval Practice | Episode 68

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

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

★ Testing As a Teaching Strategy | Episode 2

★ Testing as Teaching (on-demand seminar)

★ Dancing Organelles, AI Resources, Distracting Animations, Timed Tests & Micro-credentials | TAPP 138

★ Retrieval practice is not a test (so stop calling it that) (um, okay, whatever) AandP.info/8x3

 

Other Course Features

17 minutes

This segment summarizes other course features, which include student understanding quizzes to ensure comprehension of key course aspects, badges as motivators and credentials, and supportive announcements to remind and guide students throughout the self-paced course.

★ Our Teaching Persona in Anatomy & Physiology Class | TAPP 137

★ About Universal Design for Learning (UDL is mentioned in this segment) AandP.info/3fd

★ Quality Matters (QM is mentioned in this segment) AandP.info/tq2

★ BIO 095 Student Understanding (the 9 items that students must verify that they understand) lionden.com/fis-understanding.htm

★ <a href= "https://theappr