General Practice 2 Handbook 2023/24

7.1. What is TBL?

Here's a breakdown of TBL:

1. Formation of Teams: Students are divided into small, diverse teams. This diversity encourages the exchange of different perspectives and expertise. You will be notified of your groups by Francesca Langbridge before your sessions. 

2. Pre-Class Preparation: Before each TBL session, students are assigned readings or materials related to the topic. This pre-class work helps students familiarise themselves with the content. The prep time can vary from 1-2 hours made up of a combination of written information, videos and links to websites. 

3. Readiness Assurance: In the initial phase of the TBL session, students take an individual readiness assessment test (IRAT) to gauge their understanding of the pre-class material. This test is followed by a team readiness assessment test (TRAT), where teams work collaboratively to answer the same questions.

4. Immediate Feedback: The immediate feedback process allows students to discuss and debate their answers with their teams and receive instant clarification from the instructor. This fosters peer teaching and reinforces understanding.

5. Application Activities: After the readiness assurance phase, students engage in application activities. These can include case-based discussions, problem-solving exercises, or simulations related to the medical topic. Teams work together to apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios.

6. Instructor Facilitation: The instructor's role in TBL is to guide discussions, provide clarifications, and ensure that the learning objectives are met. They act as a facilitator rather than a traditional lecturer.

7. Reflection and Discussion: TBL encourages students to reflect on their learning process and engage in discussions about the application of knowledge. This promotes critical thinking and deeper understanding.