Exploring veterinary medicine students' experiences with team-based learning at the Universidad Andrés Bello

Abstract

This study explored the use of team-based learning (TBL) in a Clinical Anatomy course taken by third-year veterinary medicine undergraduate students at the Universidad Andrés Bello in Chile.While research has shown that active learning methodologies yield improved student learning outcomes compared to lecture-based teaching, the incorporation of new pedagogical strategies is complex and its success depends on a range of contextual factors. This study sought to understand the strengths and weaknesses of using TBL in a specific subject (anatomy), discipline (veterinary medicine), and country (Chile). Students in the course had not been previously exposed to TBL.At the end of the semester during which TBL was used, the research team collected student satisfaction survey data and conducted a focus group in order to understand students' experiences with TBL in the course. We found that overall, students were satisfied with TBL and appreciated that it increased the amount of feedback they received, reinforced key concepts, and helped them to build skills they would need in their future professions. There was also a certain level of dissatisfaction, which may have been caused by negative experiences with team members and difficulties reading the preparatory material, which was in English. Given our findings, we discuss modifications that could be made in order to improve veterinary medicine students' experiences with TBL.