Team-Based Learning (TBL) (JiTL)-The Case for Team

Pdf Summary

Team-based learning (TBL) is a structured cooperative learning methodology that uses fixed teams to solve case-based problems following individual and team readiness assessments. This approach emphasizes pre-class learning of foundational knowledge (flipped classroom), enabling active in-class engagement through application exercises rather than traditional lectures. Didactic teaching is minimal and responsive to student-driven discussions.<br /><br />TBL is particularly effective in medical and health professions education, where it supports deep learning and develops teamwork skills essential for clinical practice. The majority of research on TBL comes from these fields, with medical schools showing the most robust positive effects. Meta-analyses indicate students prefer TBL and perform as well or better than with lecture-based learning, with notable benefits for academically weaker students.<br /><br />TBL's growing popularity in medical education is also due to its resource efficiency compared to problem-based learning (PBL). Unlike PBL, which requires multiple tutors and small rooms, TBL can be facilitated by fewer faculty members in larger spaces. Some medical schools have adapted their learning environments to support TBL, and there are calls to integrate beneficial elements from PBL into TBL.<br /><br />In summary, TBL fosters deeper understanding and critical team skills in medical education, offers comparable or superior learning outcomes, especially for lower-performing students, and provides a more scalable, resource-friendly alternative to PBL, making it an increasingly favored curriculum design in Phase 1 medical training.

Asset Subtitle

This two-page handout presents the rationale for using a team-based learning curriculum in Phase 1 at the UNM School of Medicine. Includes a list of references.

Keywords

Team-based learning

TBL

cooperative learning

flipped classroom

medical education

health professions education

case-based problems

teamwork skills

problem-based learning

curriculum design