The nervous system is the origin of all our physiological functions and responses to stimuli. Because of its complexity, scientists have divided the nervous system in a number of different ways. On the one hand, we have the central and peripheral nervous systems. On the other hand, there are further subdivisions like the autonomic and somatic nervous systems, and the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. Each level and type of subdivision has its own significance, depending on the various functions the nervous system has.

Educators must devise exciting ways to teach the subdivisions of the nervous system so students can learn and be inspired. Here are five engaging ways to teach the nervous system so students can build a strong knowledge base:

1. Use Interactive Models to Keep Students Engaged

Interaction with a subject entails a back and forth, whether physical or metaphorical, between the student and the teaching material. This back and forth keeps students engaged, widens the scope of learning, and enhances the absorption of knowledge. Interactive models of teaching can actively facilitate such interactions.

Take Labster’s ‘Introduction to the Nervous System’ virtual lab, for example. This simulation uses interactive 3D models to teach about the subdivisions of the nervous system. Students must identify the different parts of the central and peripheral nervous systems on a 3D, holographic body scan. They also interactively select one of two scenarios – ‘fight or flight’, or ‘rest and digest’ – to learn about the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.

2. Make Learning Fun with Games and Activities

Some subjects become more comprehensible and approachable when an educator adopts an unconventional teaching method that makes learning fun. Games and activities represent one such unconventional teaching method. They allow educators to portray the subject matter in a less burdensome light, making learning collaborative and enjoyable.

You can try an unconventional teaching approach when covering the subdivisions of the nervous system in your class. For example, you can divide your class into multiple groups, and assign an activity to each group. Activities can include eating, listening to music, drawing, running, or simply breathing. The students in each group must then discuss which subdivision(s) and component(s) of the nervous system are enabling their activity.

3. Infuse Technology into Lessons

Technological assistance can prove to be quite valuable in a biology classroom. Advanced technologies like simulation, animation and virtual reality allow a peep into the human body and its intricate architecture. This helps students learn, apply, and remember new biological concepts in a more effective manner.

For example, Labster’s ‘Introduction to the Nervous System’ virtual lab uses simulation and 3D animation to teach the different subdivisions of the nervous system. The students further learn about afferent and efferent nerves, autonomic and somatic nervous systems, and sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. What’s more, our simulation covers these topics in just 18 minutes!

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4. Inspire Students by Discussing Career Opportunities

The possibility of gaining name, money and inner satisfaction can be a great motivator for students to learn a subject. To inspire your students to learn about the nervous system, talk to them about the careers this topic single-handedly fosters.

Discuss how neural tissue engineers must understand the nervous system deeply to design conduits that can help in nerve regeneration. Talk about how neurobiologists cannot uncover the mysteries of the brain without knowing about the subdivisions of the nervous system.

5. Connect Topic to Real-World Applications

Students will be more curious to learn about the different subdivisions of the nervous system if they know the real-world applications of this knowledge. Educators should thus modify their existing teaching regimen and connect this topic to its diverse applications in the real world.

Here are some real-world applications of learning about the nervous system and its subdivisions:

·       Diagnosis and treatment of neurological problems and injuries will be impossible without an understanding of the nervous system.

·       Development of drugs that target specific neural pathways requires a knowledge of the central and peripheral nervous systems.

Final thoughts

The subdivisions of the nervous system are too vast and intertwined to cover effectively through conventional teaching methods alone. The teaching methods we have discussed here allow educators to closely engage their students in learning about the nervous system.

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