IAMSE Publications Committee Journal Review

Team-based learning (TBL) is an effective instructional strategy that creates a learner-centered, problem-based environment in which students work together collaboratively. For anyone considering adopting this strategy, it is often useful to look to others past experiences. Older issues of the JIAMSE (pre changing of the name to Medical Science Educator) have a variety of articles on TBL. A 2010 article by Dean Parmalee et al. was compelling because it sought to assess medical student attitudes about TBL (Click here to view article). The study, although preliminary and based on only a small sample as pointed out by the authors, reveals that students do easily perceive some of the advantages TBL. The majority of students surveyed felt strongly that preparing for TBL was an effective use of study time and that it helps in keeping up in preparation for larger exams. Nearly 80% of students agreed or strongly agreed that concepts covered in TBL exercises are more effectively learned than in solo study. When asked whether they felt that TBL fosters critical thinking and problem solving skills, 84% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed. Overall, this is an early, almost preliminary study, showing that students do see the benefits of TBL even early in their education. I am sure that other interesting and useful articles about TBL can be found in the JIAMSE archives, a resource open to all. In a related vein, IAMSE recently began a publishing venture called IAMSE Manuals, short how-to-guides about various topics in medical education. The first manual is on TBL:

How-To Guide for Team-Based Learning

Ruth Levine, Patricia Hudes

The purpose of this manual is to provide the reader an overview of the fundamental components of Team-Based Learning (TBL) and its advantages over conventional instructional methods. It serves as a blueprint for instructors who wish to begin teaching TBL in a course or curriculum and it identifies factors that will facilitate or sabotage a successful implementation of TBL.

If you are thinking about implementing TBL, this is a wonderful, short, accessible, affordable introduction to the practice. The link to order the manual can be found on the IAMSE website at http://www.iamse.org/. 

Dani L. McBeth, PhD

IAMSE Publications Committee Chair