Utilizing Case Studies to Increase Student Understanding of
Blood Cell Development and Function
Candice L. Damiani
Department of Biological Science, University of Pittsburgh
Project Goal
Hematopoiesis is defined as the development of red
and white blood cells from a pluripotential
hematopoietic stem cell (HSC). Understanding the
function of leukocytes that differentiate from the HSC
is essential to understanding the overall workings of of
the immune system. However, this is a very difficult
concept for students to grasp through traditional
lecture methods. The goal of this project is to develop
a case study that will help students to draw an accurate
model of hematopoiesis, to describe the function of
each type of immune cell, and to recognize the
importance
of
each
cell
type
in
both
immunocompetent and immune-deficient patients.
Setting
The case will be designed for use with students in the
following settings:
• A large (200+) second semester Foundations of
Biology 2 course
• A large (100+) majors Microbiology course
• A large (100+) Immunology course
Student Support and
Instructor Resources
Student Support
Prior to class, students will be instructed to read the portion of
their classroom text covering hematopoiesis
Prior to class, students will view a mini-lecture introducing
hematopoiesis. This lecture will be recorded and posted on the
class Course Web (Blackboard) site.
Prior to class, students will be required to take an online quiz to
ensure that they have read the text material and viewed the online
mini-lecture.
Undergraduate Teaching Assistants (UTAs) will work through the
case study in small groups prior to administration in class. They
will identify areas of difficulty and/or confusion prior to
administration within the large class. UTAs will be available in
class as students work through the case study to provide guidance
and help identify misconceptions.
Challenges
Finding appropriate cases to adapt or writing new cases
that address the function all blood cell types
Determining the number of lecture sessions that should
be devoted to the case study
Deciding on an appropriate format for case delivery
(interrupted, clicker, etc)
Effective assessment of student learning post case
study
Ensuring that UTAs have a thorough understanding of
hematopoiesis as well as common misconceptions that
students will encounter
Preparing a case that can be utilized in a Freshman
Foundations of Biology course as well as in an upper
level Microbiology and/or Immunology course
Large lecture halls not designed for group work
Students will discuss their thoughts regarding the case in
recitation groups as well as in Facebook groups
Instructor Resources
Acknowledgements
Special thanks to the Science Case Network for the
opportunity to participate as a New Case Fellow.
Mentorship provided by the Science Case Network
Support through the newly instituted Discipline Based Science
Education Center at the University of Pittsburgh
Submission of the case for publication to the National Center for
Case Study Teaching in Science
Your Suggestions….
….are welcomed! Please share your experiences,
successes, failures, thoughts, and ideas!