Is Team-Based Learning Effective for the Medical Student in Difficulty?

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Active Learning Strategies
• Collaborative Learning

Background:

• Team-based learning (TBL) is a popular active learning method in medical courses.
• TBL fosters discussion, problem-solving, and professional attitudes in small groups.
• It encourages collaboration and knowledge sharing, enhancing confidence and clinical language.

Discussion:

• Variability in learning experiences exists with TBL compared to traditional lectures.
• Students facing academic difficulties may not effectively utilize TBL for learning.
• Less confident students, especially those with high-achieving peers, may hesitate to participate.

Key Insights:

• A subset of students in difficulty do not leverage TBL for their academic development.
• Lack of confidence and reluctance to express opinions hinder participation for some struggling students.
• Dominant high-achieving students can further inhibit the engagement of less confident peers.

Outlook:

• Investigating adaptive TBL strategies to support struggling medical students.
• Developing interventions to enhance participation and confidence in TBL settings.
• Exploring alternative or supplementary learning approaches for students not benefiting from TBL.