Spirometry-based respiratory physiology lab with data acquisition device and assigned group roles

Design · All designs
Evidence · 3 claims (2 for, 1 mixed) · 1 study (1 causal), q3 · 0 of 1 report an effect size · 3 claims rest on one study

Description

A redesigned laboratory curriculum in which students generate and analyze their own respiratory physiology data using a data acquisition device connected to a spirometry apparatus. As the article describes it, "The device takes analog input from a modified spirometry apparatus and digitizes it for display and analysis", showing a real-time trace as students breathe. Students work in groups of four with assigned roles (reader, operator, housekeeper, subject) to promote collaborative learning, and activities include measuring respiratory volumes, FEV1, and simulating obstructive and restrictive diseases.

Design Implications

Context

Requirements

• Groups of four students assigned to a station with the data acquisition system, each with an assigned task
• A data acquisition device connected to a modified spirometry apparatus with real-time display

Constraints

• The modification did not significantly improve performance on the volume-pressure-airflow concept, which the authors say requires abstract fluid-dynamics understanding such as Boyle's Law

Target Learners

• Community college students in second-semester Anatomy & Physiology preparing for Allied Health fields, primarily Nursing

Learning Goals

• Understanding respiratory volumes and pulmonary function
• Understanding hallmarks of obstructive and restrictive respiratory diseases
• Confidence using data acquisition and clinical-style technology
• Collaborative group work skills

Claims

• Spirometry Lab Improves Respiratory Volumes Performance [+M]
• Spirometry Lab Improves Respiratory Disease Performance [+M]
• Spirometry Lab No Significant Gain Volume Pressure [~M]

Related Designs

Examples

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Key Sources

• Alex M. Wolf, Carlos Liachovitzky & Abass S. Abdullahi. (2015). Active Learning Improves Student Performance in a Respiratory Physiology Lab. Journal of Curriculum and Teaching, 4(1). http://dx.doi.org/10.5430/jct.v4n1p19

Page metadata

Field	Value
type	design
id	spirometry-active-learning-lab-element
title	Spirometry-based respiratory physiology lab with data acquisition device and assigned group roles
description	A redesigned laboratory curriculum in which students generate and analyze their own respiratory physiology data using a data acquisition device connected to a spirometry apparatus.
status	review
generated	by process:settle-candidates on 2026-11-02
trust	unverified — no one has confirmed this page's content
sources	1 — alex-m-wolf-2015

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