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Foundations Team Based Learning Procedures

Foundations Team Based Learning (TBL) Procedures

Functional Responsibility: Foundations Subcommittee

Team Based Learning™ (TBL) is a well-defined instructional strategy developed by Dr. Larry K. Michaelsen that is now being used successfully in health professions education. The Team-Based Learning™ method allows a single instructor to conduct multiple small groups simultaneously in the same classroom.

Learners must actively participate in and out of class through preparation and group discussion. Class time is shifted away from learning facts and toward application and integration of information. The instructor retains control of content, and acts as both facilitator and content expert. The Team-Based Learning™ method affords the opportunity for assessment of both individual and team performance.
As an instructional method, Team-Based Learning™ consists of repeating sequences of three phases:

  • In Phase 1, learners study independently outside of class to master identified objectives.
  • In Phase 2, individual learners complete a multiple-choice exam to assure their readiness to apply Phase 1 knowledge. Groups of 6-7 learners then re-take this exam and turn in their consensus answers for immediate scoring and posting.
  • In Phase 3, groups collaborate on in-class application assignments.  This is also called the “application” portion of a session. At designated times, all groups simultaneously share their groups' answers with the entire class for easy comparison and immediate feedback. This stimulates an energetic total-class discussion with groups defending their answers and the teacher helping to consolidate learning.

Team-Based Learning™ emphasizes three keys to effective active learning:

  1. Individual and group accountability
  2. Need and opportunity for group interaction
  3. Motivation to engage in give-and-take discussion

Students are expected to be on time for class.

  • Students must have an electronic device (not a cell phone) in order to complete the TBL. Cell phones are prohibited from use during the TBL. Phones should be on silent and put away during the entire TBL session.
    • Specific permission may be granted for extenuating circumstances if approved by the module director or faculty facilitator prior to the start of the session.
  • The Individual Readiness Assurance Test (iRAT) will begin promptly at the designated class start time.
  • Students that arrive after the iRAT has begun will be asked to wait outside of the classroom until the iRAT is completed. They will receive a score of zero for the iRAT. This includes students that arrive with an inadequate device.
    • Tardy students will be permitted to join their TBL groups for the group RAT (gRAT) discussion but will not receive credit.
    • Students that arrive late have the option to use one of their course absences to null the zero for the session.
  • Upon submission of the iRAT, there is to be NO TALKING until the facilitator releases the gRAT portion of the activity. 
  • Students will not be permitted to leave the classroom until both the iRAT and gRAT are completed and the faculty facilitator releases the class. Any student leaving while the RAT is ongoing will receive a zero.
    • Emergency needs can be addressed with session faculty or the module director.
  • Students are to close all open browser windows prior to the start of the RAT and may only have the RAT screen open until completion of the RAT. Students should not be on any screen other than the RAT until the application portion has begun. This includes chatbots/messaging. Any student found to have other tabs open or using chatbots/messaging apps will be reported for violations of the Honor Code and will receive a 0.
  • Screenshots or notes of RAT questions are strictly prohibited. Any student with copies of RAT materials will be referred to the BSOM Honor Code Council for violation of honor code policy .
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Updated 4/30/2026