‘Face-to Face vs. Flipped’: A Comparative Study on Academic Outcomes and Learning Preferences in First Year Allied Health Students Undertaking Anatomy and Physiology

A mixed-mode or ‘‘flipped’’ model of learning focusses on supporting a high level of student engagement, student motivation, and the transferability of specific course content. A blend of online resources and face-to-face (F2F) learning facilitates meaningful interaction between peers, while building a capacity for self-directed and lifelong learning. Within the School of Medical Science, Anatomy and Physiology (A&P) content was ‘flipped’ for delivery at a new campus to align with the traditional F2F offering.  Lectures were delivered online, while tutorials and practicums were F2F.. Collaborative learning opportunities utilizing active learning pedagogies was appealing and was integrated during the re-alignment of A&P which was delivered to a cohort of allied health students undertaking their first year of their program.  This study assessed how this type of learning was received by students (from the same program) undertaking the same course in an on-campus F2F delivery. Students completed surveys relating to their experiences in learning activities applied in: lectures, tutorials and practicums.  In addition, academic outcomes (theoretical and practical) across the two modalities were also evaluated.  Overall, students undertaking the mixed-mode delivery performed significantly better in theoretical assessments, while performance in practical assessments was comparable between both deliveries.  Student preferences to learning and teaching activities was mixed, however all students highly valued the use of “mini-quizzes” in  lectures, tutorials and practicums.