Promoting Collaboration Using Team Based Classroom Design

Abstract

An important goal of learning space research is to investigate how an environment impacts instructor behavior and student collaboration. Team Based Classrooms (TBC) are learning spaces designed to promote active and team-based learning. We evaluated the extent to which TBC influenced modes of teaching and student engagement by comparing observed frequencies of activities in a TBC with those in a traditional classroom. Results indicated that the TBC had a higher frequency of student-led discussion and a lower frequency of instructor-led pedagogy and classroom discussion. This investigation suggests that TBC design positively impacts student collaboration.