title: Figure analysis: An implementation dialogue.
abstract: Figure analysis is a novel active learning teaching technique that reinforces visual literacy. Small groups of students discuss diagrams in class in order to learn content. The instructor then gives a brief introduction and later summarizes the content of the figure. This teaching technique can be used in place of lecture as a mechanism to deliver information to students. Here, a "how to" guide is presented in the form of an in-class dialogue, displaying the difficulties in visual interpretation that some students may experience while figure analysis is being implemented in an upper-level, cell biology course. Additionally, the dialogue serves as a guide for instructors who may implement the active learning technique as they consider how to respond to students' concerns in class. © 2016 by The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 44(4):345-348, 2016.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biology, Mercer University, Macon, Georgia, 31207.
authors.forename: Amy M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Wiles
mesh_terms: D001671:Biochemistry / Q000193:education*; D032882:Comprehension; D003479:Curriculum; D003626:Data Display; D004521:Educational Measurement; D004721:Endoplasmic Reticulum / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D010364:Pattern Recognition, Visual; D018794:Problem-Based Learning / Q000379:methods*; D021641:Recognition, Psychology; D015398:Signal Transduction; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology*
keywords: active learning; multimedia instruction; undergraduate biology education; visual literacy