Team based learning pedagogy enhances the education quality: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Background: In medical education, Lecture Based Learning (LBL) is the most common way of disseminating information. Team Based Learning (TBL), a new teaching method, is a teacher-guided method that employs teams in a class, showing suitability for medical education. Two teaching methods represent distinct educational approaches, each with its own set of advantages and limitations. In this study, we performed a systemic review on the efficacy of TBL pedagogy in medical education. Methods: MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science database were searched through July 2022. Standard mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Results: The analysis included 33 studies. Our analysis revealed that students utilizing the TBL method exhibited significantly higher pre-(SMD = 0.51, 95%CI 0.11 to 0.92) /post-test (SMD = 0.96, 95%CI 0.70 to 1.22) scores than students with LBL. Students in TBL classes had better development of scores, retention (SMD = 1.03, 95%CI 0.38 to 1.69), engagement (SMD = 2.26, 95%CI 0.23 to 4.29) and higher satisfactory rate (SMD = 1.08, 95%CI 0.87 to 1.29). However, students required more time to independently complete reading materials and preparatory tasks. Conclusion: Our study indicates the gratifying effectiveness of TBL application in medical education. TBL pedagogy is compatible with the present medical education and should be generalized in more classrooms.