Blending team-based learning and game-based learning in pharmacy education

Team-based learning (TBL) and game-based learning (GBL) are evidence-based active learning pedagogies. This study reports a learning experience that harnesses TBL and GBL benefits by blending both pedagogies (referred herein as TGL) in the facilitation of an immunology module for pharmacy students. The manuscript presents the rationale for using TGL, a description of the TGL process, student outcomes and satisfaction with the learning experience, and TGL applicability in different topics/disciplines.

Sixty-five students were divided into 12 teams. Pre-class foundational readiness material was posted one week before class. Student readiness was assessed via individual and team readiness assurance tests (iRAT/tRAT) mapped to learning objectives, with immediate instructor-mediated debrief. Then student teams worked toward solving clinical applications using evidence-based clinical information databases, e.g., UpToDate, Lexicomp. Finally, students were engaged in a competitive online game designed to review topic's key concepts and evaluate student knowledge individually post-learning experience.

TGL process fulfilled learning outcomes, indicated by successful student performance in module-related assessments: iRAT = 92.5% ± 1.2; tRAT = 98.3% ± 1.1; educational game = 71.5% ± 3.6; block exam = 82.1% ± 5.3. Student survey indicated that >90% of students are satisfied with readiness material, alignment of activities with learning outcomes, engagement in active learning, gaining new relevant knowledge/skills/mindset, and merging TBL with GBL.

Combining GBL with TBL allowed assessing student performance individually after the learning experience, an element that is not part of canonical TBL structure, to ensure students are prepared for high-stake/board exams. TGL can be applied in diverse topics/disciplines and is generalizable to small and large cohorts.