WhatsApp Groups as a Team-Based Learning Model for Ayurveda Undergraduate Students

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Digital Learning Technologies

Background:

• Team-based learning (TBL) promotes active learning, collaboration, and critical thinking.
• Effective implementation of TBL requires structured group activities and dynamic environments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the integration of WhatsApp groups for enhancing Team-based Learning (TBL) in Ayurveda courses.
• To assess the impact of structured WhatsApp group collaboration on student engagement and academic outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Organizing WhatsApp groups with defined roles (facilitator, recorder, timekeeper) for TBL in Ayurveda.
• Facilitating group discussions, case studies, resource sharing, and scheduled in-depth discussions via WhatsApp.
• Faculty/moderator oversight to enforce rules and guide discussions within WhatsApp groups.

Main Results:

• WhatsApp group collaboration improved active engagement, communication, and timely task completion in TBL.
• Students gained enhanced peer interaction and diverse perspectives, potentially improving academic performance.
• Development of essential skills including communication, teamwork, and critical thinking.

Conclusions:

• WhatsApp groups offer a viable platform for collaborative learning within Team-based Learning frameworks.
• This digital approach can significantly enhance the effectiveness of TBL in specialized fields like Ayurveda.
• TBL facilitated by WhatsApp groups equips students with crucial skills for professional development.