Beyond Memorization: Active and Adult Learning Strategies in Undergraduate Immunology

Introduction/Rationale: Learning immunology can be intimidating for undergraduates, but engaging directly with real-world examples can make complex concepts easier to grasp. This study examines an undergraduate immunology course at the University of North Dakota School of Medicine & Health Sciences, designed using adult learning principles and active learning strategies. In this course, students spend about a third of class in interactive lectures and the remainder in collaborative activities such as clinical case studies and problem-solving exercises. Instead of relying on traditional exams, student understanding is measured through weekly quizzes and participation in case studies and other learning activities, encouraging them to apply concepts rather than just memorize facts.

Methods: A mixed-methods approach was designed to measure student gains in content knowledge and perceptions of learning with these pedagogical methods. Data collection occurs at three points throughout the semester, including pre/post assessments and surveys to explore student engagement, perceptions, and motivation.

Results: 53 students completed a 50-question pre-quiz to gauge baseline understanding. Scores ranged widely, from 10 to 32 out of 50, indicating that many students began the course with only partial familiarity with core immunology concepts. Initial data collection (pre-test and initial perceptions survey) has been completed, and additional data from mid-semester and final surveys will be gathered to track student learning and perceptions over time.

Conclusion: We anticipate that students may initially perceive the course as less “intellectually demanding” without high-stakes exams, we expect that evidence from assessments and surveys will show gains in conceptual understanding and an appreciation of the material’s relevance to real-world contexts. Findings from this study will provide practical guidance for instructors interested in student-centered approaches that balance intellectual rigor with engagement and application.