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

Abstract

Team-based learning (TBL) is a structured form of small group learning that can be scaled up for delivery in large classes. The principles of successful TBL implementation are well established. TBL has become widely practiced in medical schools, but its use is typically limited to certain courses or parts of courses. Implementing TBL on a large scale, across different courses and disciplines, is the next logical step. The Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine (LKCMedicine), a partnership between Nanyang Technological University, Singapore and Imperial College London, admitted its first students in 2013. This new undergraduate medical program, developed collaboratively by faculty at both institutions, uses TBL as its main learning and teaching strategy, replacing all face-to-face lectures. TBL accounts for over 60% of the curriculum in the first two years, and there is continued learning through TBL during campus teaching in the remaining years. This paper describes our experience of rolling out TBL across all years of the medical curriculum, focusing on three success factors: (1) “team-centric” learning spaces, to foster active, collaborative learning; (2) an e-learning ecosystem, seamlessly integrated to support all phases of the TBL process and (3) teaching teams in which experts in pedagogical process (TBL Facilitators) co-teach with experts in subject matter (Content Experts).

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to acknowledge Li Meihui for assistance on the graphic design of the figures.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this article.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Preman Rajalingam

Preman Rajalingam, PhD, is a Senior Lecturer in Medical Education and Lead for Educational Development and TBL Facilitation at the Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine.

Jerome I. Rotgans

Jerome I. Rotgans, PhD, is an Assistant Professor of Medical Education Research at the Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine and adjunct Associate Professor at Erasmus MC.

Nabil Zary

Nabil Zary, PhD, is an Acting Director of the Medical Education Research and Scholarship Unit (MERSU) at the Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine and Technical Director of the Games for Health Innovations Centre (ALIVE), Singapore.

Michael Alan Ferenczi

Michael Alan Ferenczi, PhD, is an Assistant Dean, Years 1 & 2 and Vice-Dean, Faculty Affairs the Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine.

Paul Gagnon

Paul Gagnon, MEd, is the Director of E-Learning and Instructional Systems and Services at the Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine.

Naomi Low-Beer

Naomi Low-Beer, MBBS, MD, MEd, is the Vice-Dean (Education) at the Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine.