Preprint
Hippocampal functional connectivity changes associated with active and lecture-based physics learning
bioRxiv
22 Sep 2025
PMID: 41040351
Abstract
Introductory university physics courses often face the dual challenge of introducing students to new physics concepts while also addressing their preconceived notions that conflict with scientific principles. Active learning pedagogical approaches, which employ constructivist principles and emphasize active participation in the learning process, have been shown to be effective in teaching complex physics concepts. However, while the behavioral effects of constructivist methodologies are largely understood, the neurobiological underpinnings that facilitate this process remain unclear. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), we assessed students enrolled in either an active learning or lecture-based physics course before and after a 15-week semester of learning and examined changes in hippocampal whole-brain connectivity. We focused on the hippocampus given its critical role in learning and memory. Our findings revealed that hippocampal connectivity with brain regions in the frontal and parietal lobes decreased over time, regardless of instructional approach. Results also indicated that active learning students exhibited increased hippocampal connectivity with parietal, cerebellar, and frontal regions, reflecting experiential learning based on constructivist principles, whereas lecture-based students exhibited increased hippocampal connectivity with the fusiform gyrus, suggesting learning through passive observation. Our findings demonstrate that while some aspects of hippocampal functional connectivity may decrease over time, active vs. passive learning may preferentially enhance hippocampal connectivity during physics learning.
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Details
- Title
- Hippocampal functional connectivity changes associated with active and lecture-based physics learning
- Creators
- Donisha D Smith - Florida International UniversityJessica E Bartley - Florida International UniversityJulio A Peraza - Florida International UniversityKatherine L Bottenhorn - University of Southern CaliforniaMichael C Riedel - Florida International UniversityTaylor Salo - University of PennsylvaniaRobert W Laird - Florida International UniversityShannon M Pruden - Florida International UniversityMatthew T Sutherland - Florida International UniversityEric Brewe - Drexel UniversityAngela R Laird - Florida International University
- Publication Details
- bioRxiv
- Publisher
- United States
- Resource Type
- Preprint
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Physics; School of Education
- Other Identifier
- 991022121595804721