This chapter delves into the topic of team-based learning (TBL) and its impact on student engagement and learning outcomes in higher education. The chapter begins by discussing the need for innovative pedagogical approaches that encourage students to become active participants in the learning process. It then goes on to outline the principles and process of TBL, including the various stages of pre-class preparation, in-class activities, and individual and team assessments. The chapter also discusses the benefits of TBL, including its ability to enhance critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills, as well as to foster a sense of community and shared responsibility among students. Additionally, the chapter explores practical considerations for implementing TBL in the classroom, such as designing effective team assignments and providing adequate resources and support for students. Overall, the chapter provides a comprehensive overview of TBL and its potential to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes in higher education settings.
TopBenefits
Studies have shown that students who were taught using interactive engagement methods such as TBL showed over two standard deviations better learning outcomes than students in traditional courses (Center for Teaching, n.d.). The TBL process is organised into a “rhythm” of “out-of-class preparation, readiness assurance testing, and application activities.” TBL is based on four pillars: groups, accountability, feedback, and assessment. Instructors must consider factors such as resources, avoiding coalitions, and time when creating groups. Students should be held responsible for their “individual and group” work quality, and feedback is provided immediately to enhance learning (FeedbackFruits, 2021). TBL has several benefits, including improving problem-solving skills, building trust among team members, and outperforming the best member. TBL is now frequently utilised in large classes and is even possible in challenging classroom settings (Team-Based Learning Collaborative, n.d.).
TBL helps foster accountability and a sense of agency in students, allowing them to organize themselves independently, create solutions, and develop a sense of accountability towards each other. The TBL process involves several stages, including preparation, readiness assurance testing, clarification, group discussion, and the submission and showcase of group work. While TBL has numerous advantages for students, there might be difficulties in enabling various stages, such as free-riding, lack of engagement, and workload, due to the flipped classroom model. To overcome these challenges, teachers must be well-organized facilitators who understand how to employ various pedagogical instruments. FeedbackFruits is a tool suite that helps instructors design and structure TBL activities that optimise student engagement, learning, and retention. FeedbackFruits Interactive Study Material, Team-Based Learning, Discussion Assignment, and Group Member Evaluation tools can be used in different stages of TBL to give students meaningful and engaging learning experiences. By combining these tools, instructors can facilitate a smooth and effective TBL process that maximises the power of collaboration (FeedbackFruits, 2021).