Team Based Learning
What Is It?Team-Based Learning is a technique that restructures a class to be based on organizing your class into stable, quarter-long student learning teams of 5-8 students each. Almost all class activities utilize the learning teams, typically in application activities such as discussion, multiple choice questions, role plays etc.etc. A sequence for each major learning objective in
Team based Learning goes like this:
Students read baseline readings related to the learning objective
At the start of the next class session, students are given a multiple choice "Readiness Assessment" quiz to test their comprehension of key concepts in the readings. They first do this individually as with a traditional quiz.
They then turn this in and are given another copy of the quiz and immediately re-take it as a Team with an instant feedback tool such as IF-AT scratch off sheets (see example at right) or a scantron. This way they and you will know before the end of the class session what they are each individually and as a team and class understanding ok and what they need to refine their understanding on.
The class then discuss quiz questions and write team appeals.
The instructor then can provide a mini-lecture and feedback based on the topics the class had the most difficulties with.
Rest of the class sessions for that instructional unit are then spent on Team Based application activities that focus on the topics/issues the class needs the most work on, as indicated by the Readiness Assessment process.
For a more thorough intro to Team-Based Learning, See Jim Sibley's "Intro to Team-Based Learning" video (33 minutes)
Underlying Research/Case Studies:
Employing a Team-Based Learning approach in NC State HST, POL & PHI face to face. hybrid and video conferencing courses a Likert scale question was added to the anonymous student evaluation:
"The Team Based Learning structure of the course helped me learn."
What are Good Scenarios to Use This Technique?
Advantages?
Local Practitioners/Experts:
Mike Welker - Humanities
163 Kehoe Ctr. - 419.755.4706
mwelker@ncstatecollege.edu
Team Based Learning Resources:
Getting Started with Team Based Learning -- links to some of the key essays form the book in PDF format.
Case Studies of using Team based Learning in a variety of subjects.
Case Bank @ TBL Collaborative
Anonymous NC State Student comments about their TBL experience:
"I do not think I would have enjoyed the class as much if it wasn't for ... the team based learning."
" I enjoyed the interaction with other classmates and the teacher. We had to participate which helped me to break out of my comfort zone of staying in the background."
" I have never had so much fun learning. The well organized and team based approach was a breath of fresh air for this college."
"...the team-based learning technique that was employed helped me to learn much more than I expected"
"The team based learning really helped me learn better."
"What I was not understanding someone else in my group did and could it explain it to me in there way that I understood it."
"I don't think that I would have learned as much in this class if we wouldn't have been in groups. It was nice to have group members that I could rely on to bounce ideas and questions off of. It really helped me to get a better understanding of the book"s information."
"It (TBL) was a new idea to me but worked very well."
"I was a little skeptical at first, but it (TBL) was quite an advantageful experience"
"...because of his teaching method, (TBL) I have decided to continue attending NC State."
"I not only learned material but I also learned as a team player"
Disadvantages/Issues to Make Sure are Addressed?
Educating the students on what you are doing with the Readiness Assessment and why. Otherwise, students will complain they are "being tested on material they have not been taught yet." You need to make part of your first day orientation clear that the is a formative assessment process to focus class time. Click the image below for a brief video from one of the originators of T.B.L., Larry Michaelsen, talking about why and how to introduce T.B.L. to your students.
Be prepared for student push back on wanting you to lecture more and/ or them having to do less, that is a "safer" traditional setup. Students will come in with expectations that your class will fit the traditional mold they are used to, namely a passive, lecture and regurgitate information setup. Again, you will need to orient them and remind them as to what you are trying do and why. Click the image at right for a brief video from one of the originators of T.B.L., Larry Michaelsen, talking about why and how to introduce T.B.L. to your students.
