Team-Based Learning: Benefits on Learning and Students’ Perception

Abstract

Team-based learning (TBL) is relatively new in medical education and has yet to be implemented in Malaysia. The main purpose of TBL is to change the classroom experience from acquiring to applying knowledge in a team. The aim of this study is to identify the student’s perception of TBL and the impact on the student’s learning in Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM). The TBL pedagogy was imparted into the teaching of Haematology module among the 3rd year medical students of USIM. Part of the face-to-face teaching sessions (25%) was changed to online learning packages while the tutorial and practical sessions were transformed into readiness assurance tests (RATs) and application exercises. The TBL implementation and the students’ performance were observed closely and at the end of the module, a feedback form was distributed to the students (n = 79). Data was analysed using SPSS version 19.0. We found that TBL encouraged students to work more seriously and effectively in teams (93.59%). They are comfortable working in teams and satisfied with the team members’ participation (98.72%). They agreed that TBL enhanced their understanding, evidenced by improvement in the tutorial marks (98.72%). TBL also improves their communication skill and self-confidence (84.42%). In general, they preferred the TBL compared to the traditional method (89.61%). Many are not comfortable with online learning and would appreciate more face-to-face lecture sessions (52.56%). However, they commented that adequate facilities are required for an effective TBL (94.87%). In conclusion, students’ perception and outcome assessment showed promising results and should be considered for implementation.