Team-Based Learning (TBL) (JiTL)-Steps to Developing a TBL Experience

Pdf Summary

Developing a Team-Based Learning (TBL) experience involves a backward design process centered on learning objectives. These objectives should encourage higher-order cognitive skills such as application, analysis, and evaluation according to Bloom’s taxonomy, rather than mere factual recall. Typically, a TBL session targets 1-3 such objectives.<br /><br />Next, create challenging application exercises using complex case scenarios that reflect real-world ambiguity, prompting debate and multiple perspectives among teams. The design of these exercises follows the “4S” rule: Significant problem, Same problem, Specific choice, and Simultaneous reporting. Questions must be thought-provoking with credible distractors, fostering discussion rather than straightforward answers. Avoid simpler lead-up questions that guide learners directly to the solution; instead, ensure at least one complex question encourages meaningful debate between teams reporting different answers.<br /><br />Readiness assurance tests (RATs) verify that students have acquired necessary background knowledge before application exercises. RAT questions should include both factual and applied elements to uncover misunderstandings, which instructors may address with brief mini-lectures. Effective RATs stimulate dialogue during team RAT (tRAT) sessions, reinforcing the interactive nature of TBL.<br /><br />Finally, pre-class assignments should equip learners with relevant foundational knowledge aligned with the learning objectives. It is essential to communicate these objectives clearly and assign manageable preparatory materials to ensure depth of engagement. Overloading learners with excessive pre-session content risks undermining their readiness and subsequent team-based learning.<br /><br />In summary, a successful TBL design integrates high-level objectives, ambiguous application cases following the 4S framework, targeted readiness assessments, and thoughtfully curated pre-class preparation to promote robust, interactive learning experience through team discourse.

Asset Subtitle

A 1-page outline of how to use backwards design to create an effective TBL experience.

Keywords

Team-Based Learning

Backward Design

Learning Objectives

Bloom's Taxonomy

Application Exercises

4S Rule

Readiness Assurance Tests

Team RAT

Pre-Class Assignments

Interactive Learning