A Graduate Level Personalized Learning Environment in the Field of f-NIRS Signal Processing

Active student involvement and instruction through experience in everyday contexts are pedagogical approaches suitable to promote inquiry-based learning and improve learners’ cognitive skills. Nevertheless, many university and postgraduate courses offer lecture-based instructions of theoretical concepts to the students; little attention is still devoted to design hands-on activities, to improve practical/technical competencies and enhance students’ effective understanding of the concepts. The development of a personalized, student-centered learning environment that encourages teamwork and inquiry-based learning aligns with the contemporary push for interdisciplinary education in bioengineering fields. This is particularly relevant for fostering expertise in emerging technologies like functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (f-NIRS). In this framework, this paper reports a lab activity for bioelectronic engineering and/or biomedical science students focused on analyzing prefrontal cortex activation during a memory task, processing the f-NIRS signals. This pilot activity, conducted at the University of Palermo (Italy), involved Master’s and Ph.D. students working in teams to address challenges in experimental design. The study combines cutting-edge biosignal detection techniques with innovative educational strategies, offering substantial contributions to both bioengineering and educational research. The outcomes suggest that a hands-on and student-centered laboratory, experienced through a methodical sequence of self-directed learning activities, could considerably boost the student motivation to learn and the level of engagement in bioengineering and biosciences.