Patterns of performance in students with frequent low stakes team based learning assessments: Do students change behavior?

Abstract

Team-based learning offers an active learning strategy that provides a structure for measurement of learning and feedback to the students. Aggregating these results provides a longitudinal pattern of student performance. In this study, we analyzed results from a sequence of assessments related to TBL IRAT and GRAT assessments and traditional quizzes in a second-year musculoskeletal course in an undergraduate medical education program to determine if there are any measurable patterns, or performance trends, that students demonstrate in the course. Analyzing results from four academic years, we found evidence supporting there is predictability in student’s future week’s performance based on past performances across teaching modalities. We hypothesize that students are moderating their own effort regarding weekly low-stake assessments in prioritizing their academic efforts. The results from this study highlight the role of self-efficacy in medical education and suggest a new area of research for assessment of student performance patterns. Future studies could investigate whether these performance patterns are replicated in other assessment modalities and whether the same pattern holds for high-stakes assessments.

Disclosure statement

The authors have no declarations of interest to report.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Xinjue Rachel Wang

Rachel Wang, MSc, MD, is a post-graduate trainee, Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

Tracey Hillier

Tracey Hillier, BScN, MD, CCFP, FRCPC, MEd, is an Associate Dean, MD Program, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

Anna Oswald

Anna Oswald, MD, MMEd, FRCPC, is a Professor, Division of Rheumatology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

Hollis Lai

Hollis Lai, PhD, is an Associate Professor, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.