Oluwatosin Oyeniran, a prominent US-based scholar and researcher at Michigan Technological University, has called for the adoption of active learning strategies in physiology education to bridge the educational disparities between developed and developing countries.
In an interview with DAILY INDEPENDENT correspondent in Uyo, Oyeniran underscored the transformative potential of interactive and hands-on teaching methods for understanding complex subjects like physiology.
“Active learning strategies engage students more effectively, allowing them to better grasp intricate concepts crucial in the medical field,” Oyeniran explained. He highlighted that traditional teaching methods, often characterized by rote learning, are less effective in engaging students and helping them understand complex scientific concepts.
The recent challenges facing educational systems, particularly in Nigeria, underscore the urgency of implementing such innovative teaching methods. While developed countries like the USA have the resources to deploy sophisticated educational technologies, regions like Nigeria must adapt these strategies to fit local contexts. Oyeniran noted that this often involves innovating amidst resource constraints.
“Nigeria’s educational infrastructure struggles to support traditional learning methods in science education,” he said. “This often results in a gap in quality education between urban and rural areas and between Nigeria and more developed countries. Active learning can mitigate these challenges by making education more engaging and accessible.”
The establishment of new educational policies in Nigeria in 2019 was a step toward reforming the educational landscape. However, Oyeniran suggests that much remains to be done to integrate active learning into the mainstream education system. “There is often a significant gap between the ideal of interactive education and the reality on the ground. Many institutions are still geared towards rote learning, which is less effective,” he noted.
To address these issues, Oyeniran urged Nigerian educational institutions to embrace active learning by modifying curricula, investing in training for educators, and utilizing technology to make learning more interactive and practical.
“Educational institutions play a crucial role in cultivating a generation of well-trained healthcare professionals. They must create environments where all students, regardless of their socioeconomic background, can thrive,” he said.
Oyeniran also emphasized the importance of adopting innovative teaching tools, enhancing classroom engagement, providing continuous professional development for teachers, and promoting a culture of innovation in education. “By implementing these measures, educational institutions can better align their practices with global standards in science education,” he emphasized.
The benefits of active learning are well-documented. Studies have shown that students engaged in active learning perform better academically, retain information longer, and are more motivated to learn. For subjects like physiology, which require a deep understanding of complex systems and processes, active learning can make a significant difference in student outcomes.
In practical terms, active learning can take many forms. It can include collaborative group work, hands-on experiments, problem-solving sessions, and the use of educational technology to simulate real-world scenarios. For example, using digital simulations to visualize physiological processes can help students understand concepts that are difficult to grasp through traditional lectures alone.
Implementing active learning in Nigeria’s educational system will require a concerted effort from all stakeholders, including government agencies, educational institutions, and the private sector. It will involve rethinking curricula, investing in teacher training, and providing the necessary resources and infrastructure to support active learning initiatives.
However, the potential benefits make it a worthwhile endeavor. By adopting active learning strategies, Nigeria can improve the quality of its education system, produce more competent healthcare professionals, and ultimately contribute to the nation’s overall development.
