====== Team-based learning ======

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**[[Team]]-Based [[Learning]] (TBL)** is an active learning [[methodology]] designed to enhance student [[engagement]] and deepen understanding of concepts through structured [[collaboration]] in small teams. It is widely applied in medicine, engineering, and business education. Below is an overview of its main features and implementation process:

### **Key Features of TBL**

1. **Teamwork**:
   - Students work in permanent, heterogeneous teams.
   - Teams usually consist of 5–7 members to optimize collaboration.

2. **Pre-class Preparation**:
   - Students complete assigned readings or preparatory activities before attending the session.
   - This ensures they acquire foundational knowledge in advance.

3. **Immediate Feedback and Evaluation**:
   - Assessments and activities are designed to provide instant feedback to students.
   - This helps identify gaps in understanding and reinforces learning.

4. **Application-Oriented Learning**:
   - Teams work on complex, real-world problems that require application of knowledge rather than rote memorization.
   - The problems are significant and often involve decision-making under constraints.

5. **Accountability**:
   - Students are accountable for their individual preparation and team contributions.
   - Peer evaluation is often used to assess participation and effectiveness.

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### **Four-Step Process of TBL**
1. **Preparation Phase**:
   - Students complete pre-class readings or assignments to build foundational knowledge.

2. **Readiness Assurance**:
   - Students take an **Individual Readiness Assurance Test (iRAT)** to assess their understanding.
   - Teams then take a **Group Readiness Assurance Test (gRAT)** to discuss and answer the same questions collectively, promoting peer teaching.

3. **Team-Based Activities**:
   - Teams engage in application exercises that focus on real-world problems, encouraging discussion, collaboration, and critical thinking.
   - These activities often have a competitive element to increase motivation.

4. **Reflection and Feedback**:
   - Facilitators provide feedback on team performance and decisions.
   - Teams reflect on their learning process to improve future collaboration.

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### **Advantages of TBL**
- Encourages **active engagement** and collaboration.
- Fosters **critical thinking** and problem-solving skills.
- Promotes **peer-to-peer learning** and accountability.
- Prepares students for **real-world teamwork** scenarios.

### **Applications**
TBL is particularly effective in educational settings where teamwork and decision-making are key, such as:
- Medical education (e.g., case-based learning for clinical scenarios).
- Business schools (e.g., strategic decision-making exercises).
- Engineering programs (e.g., solving design or technical challenges).