Team-based learning (TBL): Each phase matters! An empirical study to explore the importance of each phase of TBL

Context: In Team Based Learning (TBL), it is, based on theory, assumed that knowledge development in each phase contributes to the subsequent phase and to learning performance. However, there is no empirical evidence for this assumption. Aim: In order to find support for the relation between TBL and the underlying theory, we determined to what extent each phase of TBL is associated with the knowledge development in the next phase and with the total learning performance. Methods: We measured the scientific concepts recalled by 56 second-year undergraduate medical students before TBL, after each of the three phases and after TBL. We used multivariate regression analysis to determine the statistical association between the phases as well as the total learning performance. Results: Results showed that in each phase, students produced new concepts in addition to those previously recalled. Regression models showed statistically significant explained variance ranging from 0.19 to 0.26, between the three phases and the total learning performance. Discussion: Each phase of the TBL is significantly associated with knowledge development in the subsequent phase and with the total learning performance, and therefore matters. This study contributes to the scientific underpinning of TBL and offers leads to more elaborate research and interventions to improve TBL.