Preprint
Curriculum Transformation Leads to Unlocking the Gate in the Gateway Subjects of Anatomy and Physiology
SSRN Electronic Journal, Vol.Series Paper No. 32
Southern Cross University Scholarship of Learning and Teaching Research Paper Series, Elsevier
08/09/2025
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Abstract
Human anatomy and physiology (A&P) are cornerstone subjects in many health programs, yet they present considerable challenges for students and academics, contributing to student anxiety, low self-confidence and high failure rates. These challenges were particularly pronounced at one regional Australian university where, despite strong commitment to student success, A&P pass rates remained as low as 55%. This paper explores the impact of introducing the Southern Cross Model, an immersive block model underpinned by the interwoven pedagogical principles of focused, guided and active learning, on A&P students' academic success, satisfaction, and self-confidence in learning. Analysis of student success and survey data indicate strong, statistically significant increases across all indicators of success, satisfaction and self-confidence in learning in the immersive block model. This study underscores the positive impact of holistic curriculum reform on student outcomes in A&P and suggests broader implications for curriculum reform in health education.
Details
- Title
- Curriculum Transformation Leads to Unlocking the Gate in the Gateway Subjects of Anatomy and Physiology
- Creators
- Lily Guo - Southern Cross UniversityKen Wojcikowski - Southern Cross UniversityElizabeth Goode - Southern Cross UniversityNicola L Whiteing - Southern Cross UniversityFiona Naumann - Southern Cross University
- Publication Details
- SSRN Electronic Journal, Vol.Series Paper No. 32
- Series
- Southern Cross University Scholarship of Learning and Teaching Research Paper Series
- Publisher
- Elsevier
- Identifiers
- 991013310928602368
- Academic Unit
- Human Sciences; Nursing; Office of the PVC (Academic Quality); Faculty of Health
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Preprint
- Local Fields
- Original Research - SoLT