AnaPhyStory as An Innovative Pedagogical Approach for Enhancing Conceptual Understanding and Reflective Comprehension Among BPED Students

This quasi-experimental study assesses the effectiveness of AnaPhyStory, a narrative-based approach, in improving conceptual understanding and reflective comprehension of anatomy and physiology among Bachelor of Physical Education (BPED) students at Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Colleges, General Santos City, during the 2025-2026 academic year. Utilizing a non-equivalent control group pretest-posttest design, the experimental group (n=25) received AnaPhyStory instruction, which incorporated structured narratives on the skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems, whereas the control group (n=25) participated in traditional lectures; the instruments employed consisted of validated 60-item assessments and reflective comprehension evaluations. Pretest scores revealed inadequate conceptual comprehension in both groups (Control: M=19.08, SD=3.79; Experimental: M=19.04, SD=3.22), progressing to intermediate levels (Control posttest: M=32.24, SD=6.84) and high levels (Experimental: M=36.04, SD=4.14) following the intervention. Paired t-tests indicated significant pre-post improvements (Control: t=-7.67, p<.001; Experimental: t=-17.06, p<.001), while an independent t-test demonstrated higher posttest performance in the experimental group (t=-2.48, p=.018). The experimental group exhibited proficient reflective comprehension (M=14.28, SD=1.27). The findings confirm AnaPhyStory's superiority over conventional techniques in promoting deeper learning, aligning with the significance of story pedagogy in STEM education. Recommendations advocate for its incorporation into teacher training programs to enhance scientific literacy in accordance with SDG 4.