Implementation of team-based learning on a large scale: Three factors to keep in mind

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Pedagogy
• Collaborative Learning

Background:

• Team-based learning (TBL) is a structured, small-group learning strategy.
• While widely used in medical schools, TBL implementation is often limited to specific courses.
• Scaling TBL across diverse courses and disciplines presents a significant opportunity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the experience of implementing Team-based Learning (TBL) across all years of a new undergraduate medical curriculum.
• To identify key success factors for large-scale TBL integration in medical education.

Main Methods:

• Adoption of TBL as the primary learning and teaching strategy, replacing traditional lectures.
• Integration of "team-centric" learning spaces designed for active, collaborative learning.
• Development of an e-learning ecosystem to support all TBL phases.
• Formation of co-teaching teams comprising pedagogical experts (TBL Facilitators) and subject matter experts (Content Experts).

Main Results:

• TBL was implemented as the main strategy, accounting for over 60% of the curriculum in the first two years.
• Three critical success factors were identified: team-centric learning spaces, an integrated e-learning ecosystem, and expert teaching teams.
• The approach facilitated continuous learning through TBL across all years of the medical program.

Conclusions:

• Large-scale, curriculum-wide implementation of TBL is feasible and effective in medical education.
• Strategic focus on physical learning environments, digital infrastructure, and interdisciplinary teaching teams is crucial for successful TBL rollout.
• This model provides a robust framework for innovative medical training.