Team-Based Learning
What is Team-Based Learning (TBL)?
Team-based learning (TBL) improves student learning through a structured, evidence-based, whole-course framework designed around a
- five-stage "readiness assurance" process (RAP), and
- a series of classroom-based "application exercises" (AES) that require teams of students to solve, discuss, and report out solutions to relevant, significant problems.
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Explore the library of TBL application exercises »
Why use Team-Based Learning?
Teachers in a variety of disciplines adopt the TBL approach to increase student learning and engagement, especially for students from underrepresented groups, including minorities, women, and first-generation college students.
TBL provides strong incentives for students to
- prepare prior to class,
- collaboratively apply economic concepts to analyze important economic issues during class using hands-on activities, and
- work effectively in teams.
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How to use Team-Based Learning
TBL requires teams to apply disciplinary concepts to make decisions about significant economic problems. Each TBL module contains two components:
- the Readiness Assurance Process (RAP), which ensures that students have a basic understanding of key economic concepts for that module, and
- Application Activities (AEs), which require student teams to apply those concepts in new and meaningful ways. TBL is a student-centered teaching practice, with a minimum of lecturing.
Learn more about getting started with Team-Based Learning in your own class...
Examples
The Application Exercises page includes a collection of ready-to-use TBL Application Exercises, including teaching notes on how to best use the exercise in your own class. Use them as-is or adapt as needed for your own course.
Learn more about TBL Application Exercises you can adapt for your class...
References and Resources
Learn more about TBL, its development, and effectiveness across disciplines...
National Science Foundation (NSF) Support for Team-Based Learning
