Tips and Techniques for Incorporating Team-Based Learning (TBL) Methods into a College Classroom

Team-based learning (TBL) methods provide instructors with an avenue to create student engagement and enhance learning satisfaction. When implemented correctly, they have the ability to promote critical thinking and problem-solving skills, increase learning and retention of course material, and improve interpersonal and group relations. When TBL techniques were used in three undergraduate classes at a private university the feedback and outcomes were positive. Although attendance rates and average grades remained nearly the same as the previous year, student engagement as measured through instructor observations improved. Student feedback was very encouraging, with a TBL classroom being highly preferred to a lecture-based classroom. Students also believed their overall course grade improved as a result of being assigned to a TBL group.