Instructional Model: Team Based Learning

Team-Based Learning is an evidence based collaborative learning and teaching strategy designed about units of instruction.

Team-Base Learning is based on four underlying principles (Michaelsen & Richards 2005)

1. Groups should be properly formed and should be fixed for the course.

2. Students are accountable for their pre-learning and for working in teams.

3. Team assignments must promote both learning and team development.

4. Students must receive frequent and immediate feedback.

Implementation Steps:

• Students are grouped into teams that work together on a regular basis. Students work with their team for the entire lesson, a unit, a quarter, or even a semester.

• If you enjoy teaching using using a flipped classroom model, this instructional method will work well. Students are assigned content to explore prior to the implementation of the team based lesson.

• After the independent exploration, students are given a 10 question assessment (usually multiple choice) to complete.

• Once students are finished completing their individual assessent, they are asked to get into their groups. Now, students are given the same assessment. This time, students are asked to discuss the questions and come up with answers as a group. (Use of digital forms or scratch off answer cards are a very effective way to provide immediate feedback to student groups so they know if their answers are correct.

• Finally, the teacher will lead a discussion and will review each of the assessment questions. Individual students or groups are encouraged to disagree with an answer if they can justify a different correct answer.

Strengths of the Team-Based Learning Model:

• Promotes teamwork

• Improves communication skills

• Deepen students' ability think critically and defend an idea

• Creates a greater sense of academic community

Limitations of the Team-Based Learning Model:

• Students who do not come prepared to do the work will not be about to contribute

• Multiple choice assessments can be limiting

• Teacher may need to spend time helping with conflict resolution