Team-based learning (TBL) is a student-centered instructional strategy that utilizes a flipped classroom model allowing students the opportunity to work in groups to solve authentic problems. TBL is a collaborative, active learning strategy that can be utilized in both large and small classrooms, and “supports the development of high-performance learning teams and provides opportunities for these teams to engage in significant learning tasks” (Fink, 2004, p.9). Learning activities within TBL follow a specific order, i.e., pre-work completed prior to class, individual and team readiness assurance tests, immediate feedback, and application activity.
Last Reviewed:
September 16, 2025
First Published:
March 4, 2022
Why Use This Strategy
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Team-based learning “can be leveraged to develop critical thinking in pharmacy students and may be especially beneficial for students who begin their pharmacy education deficient in these skills” (Silberman, p. 121)
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TBL participants performed better in academic, clinical, and communication domains. In addition, TBL enhanced learners’ engagement, collaborative spirit, and satisfaction.
Top Tips
- Four essential principles of TBL (Michaelsen et al., 2008)
- Groups must be properly formed and managed
- Students must be made accountable for their individual and group work
- Group assignments must promote both learning and team development
- Students must have frequent and timely performance feedback
- When developing cases or problems for TBL sessions, follow the 4 S’s
- Significant problem
- Same problem
- Specific choice
- Simultaneous report
Resources
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Team Based Learning Collaborative: Getting Started with Team-based Learning.
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Team-Based Learning in the Virtual Environment. Webinar. Angela Cantrell and Pat Ryan. Recorded October 2020.
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