Formative Haptics Institute
The Zoologik® Foundation has recognized that in order for the study of anatomy to become a core-curriculum discipline it is essential that the value of various approaches to teaching and learning anatomy be researched and scientifically backed. The Formative Haptics Institute is interested in the power of "hands-on learning" as it relates to the study of anatomy as well the neuroscience behind this type of learning.
Haptics DEFINED
Haptic learning involves an integration of all the senses, but generally refers to learning that takes place through the hand. According to neuroscientists, there are currently two accepted types of haptic learning;
- Passive Haptics: Information gained passively through the hand. Sensory
data is gathered indirectly without initiating investigation of the object. - Active Haptics: Information gained actively or purposefully through the hand.
Sensory data is gathered actively as the hand explores an object.
The Formative Haptics Institute (FHI), proposes a third type of learning:
- Formative Haptics: Information gained actively or purposefully by the hand through exploration,
modification, manipulation, and formation of an object, leading to dynamic evaluations of
logic, potential, and possibility.
The Zoologik® Foundation is willing to loan equipment, tools, and supplies to institutions who would like to carry out a research project.
Formative Haptic Methodologies
Many such methodologies have been used in individual and classroom study for hundreds of years. A primary goal of the Formative Haptics Institute is to seek out current practices, and encourage development of new Formative Haptic media and methodologies.
Examples of Learner-Formed Approaches
2 Dimensions |
2 & 3 Dimensions | 3 Dimensions |
|---|---|---|
| Drawing | Collage with | Sculpting |
| Painting | Paper | Assemblage |
| Diagramming | Fabic | Doll Making |
| String |
RESEARCH ON FORMATIVE HAPTIC METHODOLOGIES
The Anatomy in Clay® Learning System
- 1904 / Arthur Herring, MD, Baltimore Medical College: Article: “Clay Modeling in the Study of Anatomy”Journal of the American Medical Association, American Medical Association
- 1983 / Columbia University: Day, Hecox, HInrichs, Jones, Schmitz, Zahourek: Graduate Department of Rehabilitation Medicine:“Comparison of three teaching protocols for gross anatomy:” Poster Presentation: American Physical Therapy Association
- 2005 / Pennsylvania State University: Waters, Drogo, Perrotti, VanMeter, Cyr: Departments of Biology, Educational Psychology / Mohawk Community College,:Life Science Department: “Cat dissection vs. sculpting human structures in clay: an analysis of two approaches to undergraduate human anatomy laboratory education: ”Advances in Physiology Education, American Physiological Society
- 2007 / Pennsylvania State University: Waters, Van Meter, Perrotti, Drogo, Cyr: Departments of Biology, Educational Psychology / Mohawk Community College,:Life Science Department:“A comparison of two approaches to an undergraduate human anatomy laboratory” (clay building vs. human cadaver) Human Anatomy and Physiology Society National Convention, Presentation, awaiting publication
- 2008 / LaGuardia Community College: Lenchner, O’Kane, Motoike, Gau, Haspel: Department of Natural and Applied Science: Anatomical Sciences Education, American Association of Anatomists
- 2009 / Sungkyunkwan University: Chang-Seok, Ji-Young, Choe; School of Medicine & Department of Radiology & King’s College: London School of Medicine:“Learning of cross-sectional anatomy using clay models: ”Anatomical Sciences Education, American Association of Anatomists
- 2009 / University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee: Petto, Andrew; Petto, Sarah: "The Potential of da Vinci in All of Us;" The Science Teacher
- 2010 / Keiser University: Cruz-Espaillat, M.D., M.P.H.; Stabile, Reyes "Anatomy in Clay® Testing;" Journal of Career Education Principles & Practices
- 2010 / Bennet College, U.S.A. & University of London, UK; Patrick, Patricia G.; Tunnicliffe, Sue Dale "Science Teachers' Drawings of What is Inside the Human Body;" Journal of Biological Education
