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What is Team- Based learning? (TBL)
What is Team- Based learning? (TBL)
Welcome
Welcome
I am passionate about Team-Based Learning (TBL) and have facilitated TBL at Air Canada and Macquarie University, to nurture both teamwork and engaging learning environments. TBL is a good fit for my approach to education as I also integrate peace education principles into my pedagogy. I believe in the power of education to promote understanding, empathy, and global citizenship.
Keep up to date on my upcoming TBL workshops and discover how it can enhance collaboration, critical thinking, problem-solving skills (and grades) among students.
In my opinion, this is one of the best definitions of Team-Based Learning (TBL). It can be defined as:
“an active learning and small group instructional strategy that provides students with opportunities to apply conceptual knowledge through a sequence of activities that includes individual work, teamwork, and immediate feedback”
NEW- Try this prompt to convert an existing traditional course to a TBL course
(Team-based learning: Design, facilitation and participation. BMC Medical Education.2020)
Why use TBL ?
Why use TBL ?
Here are Six Good Reasons to Use Team-Based Learning (TBL)
Here are Six Good Reasons to Use Team-Based Learning (TBL)
TBL helps students to get ready for life outside of academia and ready for the Fourth Industrial Revolution. It supports skills such as communication, critical thinking, innovation, teamwork, and leadership—in other words, skills that transcend disciplines.
TBL fosters student engagement by encouraging interaction with instructors and peers, it helps to create classroom community. This is something most institutes want to encourage.
TBL is a good fit for most curriculums and is ideal for case studies, hands-on labs, and problem-based learning.
TBL motivates students to come prepared to class and actively participate in class.
TBL cultivates a culture of critical thinking. It encourages learners to dissect complex scenarios, and collaboratively come up with innovative solutions.
Students exposed to TBL tend to achieve higher grades and find their learning experience more enjoyable!
*** TBL is also aligned with the principles of Peace Education and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
References
Michaelsen, L. K., Knight, A. B., & Fink, L. D. (2023). Team based learning: A transformative use of small groups in college teaching (1st ed.). United Kingdom: Taylor & Francis. doi:10.4324/9781003447535 Retrieved from http://digital.casalini.it/9781000975147
UBC. (2023). Team-based learning - Centre for instructional support. Retrieved from https://cis.apsc.ubc.ca/teaching-strategies/team-based-learning/
The TBL Model
The TBL Model
Below is my customized TBL model. As you watch my video presentation (below) you will realize that TBL is not just a teaching technique—it’s a well-planned instructional strategy. It takes a group of students and transforms them into a effective learning team. Students are not just learning content; but they are also actively learning from each other.
Video Overview of the TBL Model
Video Overview of the TBL Model
How to Design Team Application Activities: The Heart of Team-Based Learning (TBL)
How to Design Team Application Activities: The Heart of Team-Based Learning (TBL)
The 4 "S" Framework
The 4 "S" Framework
When using TBL it is recommended that the 4 "S" framework is used. The 4 "S" framework has ( you guessed it) Four elements that begin with "S".
Significant Problem- In the below image ( the Automated of Manufacturing a Plastic Key tag) students are taking the theoretical concepts discussed in class and discussing how they can be practically applied to a real-world situation. In our example (based on course learning outcomes), we are asking: What is the most suitable method for automating the manufacturing of plastic keyrings and why?
Same Problem - All the teams are working on the same problem: What is the most suitable method for automating the manufacturing of plastic key tags.
Specific Choice . The groups need to make a specific choice- for example- A/ B/C/D.
All groups should report the choices Simultaneously – this is so differences in conclusions can be explored and discussed.
Some questions could be - "How is it that you reached this conclusion?" -- "What were the steps you took?" (hence the emphasis on thinking through things not on memorizing facts)
The video is an example of a multiple-choice vignette for an application activity
Bloom’s Taxonomy and TBL
Bloom’s Taxonomy and TBL
TBL aligns with Bloom’s Taxonomy by engaging students in various cognitive levels. TBL’s Readiness Assurance Process starts at the “Remember” level (recall), while its Application Activities move students toward “Apply,” “Analyze,” and “Evaluate
The Backwards Design of TBL
The Backwards Design of TBL
TBL and Backwards Design
TBL and Backwards Design
The backwards design approach starts with learning objectives (Step 1).
Next, course developers create applications (Step 2) that allow students to apply what they’ve learned. A significant "real world" problem. Aligned with the learning objectives.
Then, they select pre-work (Step 3) to prepare students. Aligned with the learning objectives.
Finally, educators design RATs (Readiness Assurance Test) (Step 4), which are assessments aligned with the learning objectives.
IRAT = Individual Readiness Assurance Test
TRAT = Team Readiness Assurance Test
Conclusion
Conclusion
Conclusion
Conclusion
TBL elevates group learning to a new level—students transform into cohesive learning teams!
Nonetheless here are some of the some challenges I have witnessed with TBL:
Some students have had bad experiences with “group work” in the past, hence; they may not be very enthusiastic about it.
Support ( expertise, time and resources) is crucial for instructors new to TBL. Setting up (or restructuring) courses requires guidance.
TBL involves consistent teams throughout a term, which may not align with every teaching style.
Some educators struggle with grading teams or implementing peer evaluations.
Some instructors claim they dont have the space or time to set up the classroom for TBL. However many institutes already have "active learning" classrooms set up, they just need to be booked. With that said a creative instructor can use TBL in any room- including a lecture theatre.
In closing TBL is a great fit for many disciplines and applied learning contexts. Research supports this claim.
For more information about TBL.
Sibley, J., Ostafichuk, P., Roberson, B., Franchini, B., & Kubitzv, K. (2014). Getting started with team-based learning (First edition.). Stylus Publishing.
Disclosure
I have not received financial support from any book publishing company.
I did not participate in any of the trials, studies, or research conducted by any of these organizations.
I have no real or potential financial gain from the success of the products, books, or services presented on this site.
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