Leading academic change: experiences of academic staff implementing team-based learning

YesTeam-based learning (TBL) is a collaborative learning model that shifts classroom time from a teacher-centred to student-centred approach. TBL emphasises accountability to learning, teamwork, immediate feedback, peer feedback, and critical thinking. While many educators value the increased student engagement that results from TBL, the transition from traditional teaching methods to TBL poses challenges. Using a qualitative approach, this study aimed to explore the experiences of 26 academic staff in the United Kingdom who implemented TBL in the higher education setting. Thematic analysis of interview text generated eight themes related to preparing academics to use TBL, challenges related to TBL, and engagement of students with the curriculum. Derived from these themes, a set of recommendations for supporting academic staff who transition to TBL was developed

The applicability of a validated team-based learning student assessment instrument to assess United Kingdom pharmacy students' attitude toward team-based learning

Purpose It aimed at testing the validity and reliability of a validated team-based learning student assessment instrument (TBL-SAI) to assess United Kingdom pharmacy students’ attitude toward TBL. Methods TBL-SAI, consisting of 33 items, was administered to undergraduate pharmacy students from two schools of pharmacy each at University of Wolverhampton and University of Bradford were conducted on the data, along with comparison between the two schools. Results Students’ response rate was 80.0% (138/173) in completion of the instrument. Overall, the instrument demonstrated validity and reliability when used with pharmacy students. Sub-analysis between schools of pharmacy did, however, show that four items from Wolverhampton data, had factor loadings of less than 0.40. No item in the Bradford data had factor loadings less than 0.40. Cronbach’s alpha score was reliable at 0.897 for the total instrument: Wolverhampton, 0.793 and Bradford, 0.902. Students showed preference to TBL, with Bradford’s scores being statistically higher (P<0.005). Conclusion This validated instrument has demonstrated reliability and validity when used with pharmacy students. Furthermore students at both schools preferred TBL compared to traditional teaching

Introducing Team-Based Learning in a Pharmacy Curriculum: A Qualitative Study of Staff and Student Experiences

There is an increasing move towards an outcomes-based approach to educating healthcare professionals including the development of key skills such as problem-solving and critical thinking. Some healthcare regulators have changed accreditation criteria to ensure that graduates can apply knowledge and skills, analyse complex situations, and develop the skills to learn independently. There is a move to ensure that curricula are designed to take into account modern educational theory and research and promote active and deep approaches to learning. Accordingly, educators have redesigned curricula to be delivered by more learner-centred approaches involving active problem solving and peer and collaborative learning. These approaches require educators to adapt from the role of content deliverer to that of learning architect and facilitator of learning. This qualitative research study takes a phenomenological approach to consider the experiences of pharmacy educators and students in a pharmacy school that has designed its curriculum to be delivered predominantly by team-based learning (TBL). The findings of the study include: a dissatisfaction with traditional methods in engaging and motivating students; mixed feelings about the initial idea of TBL; the need for substantial resources for planning, staff training, designing and quality assuring resources when transitioning to TBL; improved student engagement and student preparation with TBL; staff benefits in working more collaboratively and enhanced enjoyment of teaching using TBL; perceived benefits of peer learning and transferable skills development; substantially higher staff workload during transition; challenges in writing effective application exercises, and developing the facilitation skills needed for a learner-centred classroom. In addition there is the need for substantial planning around timetabling, sourcing suitable rooms, ensuring consistency of approach across educators, and the development of bespoke quality assurance processes. Overall this research suggests that the majority of participants supported the implementation of TBL in the curriculum and that the benefits outweighed the challenges

Team-based Learning: Engaging learners and creating team accountability

YesTeam-based Learning (TBL) is a new teaching strategy that may take small group learning to a new level of effectiveness. TBL shifts the focus from content delivery by teachers to the application of course content by student teams. Teams work on authentic problems, make collaborative decisions, and develop problem-solving skills required in their future workplace. Prior to redesigning the MPharm programme according to TBL principles, several pilots were set up to research how students responded to this new way of teaching. One pilot focussed on the introduction of TBL as a phenomena and aimed to find out if and how TBL engaged students, how students were held accountable by their teams, and more importantly how that affected their lifeworld. Ashworth’s lifeworld contingencies provided the theoretical framework as it ranges from students’ selfhood, embodiment and social interactions to their ability to carry out tasks they are committed to and regard as essential (Ashworth, 2003)

Team-Based Learning Approach for the Delivery of Over-the-counter Module in the Faculty of Pharmacy in Jordan

YesTeam-based learning is an active learning strategy that focuses on student’s engagement, development of critical thinking, and transferable skills needed in the workplace. While many pharmacy faculties around the world have applied team-based learning into their curriculums, the implementation of team-based learning into the Middle East is still in the experimental phase and poses its own challenges. This reflective statement elaborates on our experience and feedback of implementing team-based learning for the first time at the pharmacy faculty of Zarqa University in Jordan through the delivery of over-the-counter module

Evaluating team-based learning in a foundation training pathway for trainee pharmacists

YesA new programme incorporating online study days delivered using team-based learning (TBL) for hospital-based trainee pharmacists (TPs) in the North of England was created. To our knowledge, TBL has not previously been used in educational programmes for TPs designed to supplement their workplace learning. The project aimed to investigate the experiences of TPs learning using online TBL by exploring their perceptions on their engagement, learning, and satisfaction with TBL. Data were collected using online anonymous surveys at the end of four online TBL study days. A bespoke survey consisted of 5-point or 4-point Likert scale and two free text questions. TBL Student Assessment Instrument (SAI), a validated survey, was used to assess TPs' acceptance of TBL. Survey data was summarized descriptively, and free text comments analysed using thematic analysis. TPs developed accountability to their team, remained engaged with TBL delivery online and stated a preference for and satisfaction with this method. TPs valued opportunities to apply their knowledge in challenging scenarios and learn from discussions with their peers, the larger group, and facilitators. TBL was also perceived to be an engaging approach to learning and helped to maintain their interest with the teaching material. However, TPs struggled to engage with pre-work outside of the class due to competing work priorities. This study shows that online TBL was well accepted by TPs and can be successfully used to deliver education to large cohorts of learners. The model developed shows potential for scalability to larger numbers of learners.The teaching programme was funded by National Health Service England Workforce, Training, Education (NHSE WTE) (previously known as Health Education England)

Team-based learning in pharmacy: The faculty experience

yesAim To assess faculty perceptions and experiences when implementing team-based learning (TBL) across a pharmacy curriculum. Study design A total of 19 faculty members participated in a series of individual semi-structured interviews that allowed freedom of discussion within a structured framework of inquiry. Data were transcribed, coded using NVivo, and analyzed to establish common themes. Participant quotations were chosen to reinforce the themes and give a voice to the participants. Findings and discussion The benefits of TBL were perceived to be enhanced student engagement, peer learning, increased faculty enjoyment of teaching, and student development of transferable skills. Challenges included increased initial workload, writing effective application exercises, and facilitating learner-centered classes. TBL may be useful in optimizing course content to ensure outcomes and activities focus on important concepts. Peer learning appears to benefit student learning. TBL may help equip students with valuable transferable skills. TBL requires an initial upfront investment in faculty development and time to prepare resources. A student-centered approach to learning may be daunting for faculty and require new skill sets. Conclusions Faculty described their support for TBL concluding that the pedagogical benefits of engaging students in active learning, the development of transferable skills for the workplace, and the personal satisfaction felt after a TBL class, outweigh the initial challenges of transitioning to TBL