Digestive System: A Team-Based Learning Module for Histology

Abstract Introduction Team-based learning (TBL) is an instructional strategy that promotes greater student engagement in the classroom. In TBL, scheduled class time is not used for lecturing. Rather, students are expected to master the basic facts and concepts of the subject matter before coming to...

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Main Authors: Kate Henkin, Keith W. Condon, James J. Brokaw
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Association of American Medical Colleges 2016-03-01
Series:MedEdPORTAL
Subjects:
Online Access:http://www.mededportal.org/doi/10.15766/mep_2374-8265.10364
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author Kate Henkin
Keith W. Condon
James J. Brokaw
author_facet Kate Henkin
Keith W. Condon
James J. Brokaw
author_sort Kate Henkin
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Introduction Team-based learning (TBL) is an instructional strategy that promotes greater student engagement in the classroom. In TBL, scheduled class time is not used for lecturing. Rather, students are expected to master the basic facts and concepts of the subject matter before coming to class. Class time is devoted to applying this knowledge to solve challenging problems with students' teams. The purpose of this module is for learners to become familiarized with the digestive system. Methods The module enables students to describe the structural and functional characteristics of the digestive system, explain the cellular mechanisms responsible for maintaining the digestive system, and interpret select clinical data related to disorders of these tissues. Moreover, students will be able describe the organization and function of the oral cavity, alimentary canal, and associated organs, as well as relate the digestive system's unique structural features to its function in health and disease. This TBL module consists of four documents, including the Instructor's Guide, the Individual Readiness Assurance Test (iRAT), the Group Readiness Assurance Test (gRAT), and the Group Application Exercise. Explanations of correct answers are provided with the iRAT and Group Application Exercise documents. Prior to the TBL session, students are expected to complete the advanced preparation assignment, which consists of textbook readings and laboratory work. Results When we implemented this module with a class of 30 graduate students, the mean scores for the iRAT (93.7%), the gRAT (100%), and the clinically oriented Group Application Exercise (85.3%) reflected solid student understanding of the structure and function of the digestive system. Discussion These results show that TBL methodology is an effective strategy to teach graduate-level histology and that students do not require formal lectures to learn the material. Based on our experience, we believe that TBL offers learning outcomes comparable to lecture-based instruction but with greater clinical relevance.
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spelling doaj.art-12bdedac39ec4ae298d2da7c4ffe618f2022-12-21T19:19:40ZengAssociation of American Medical CollegesMedEdPORTAL2374-82652016-03-011210.15766/mep_2374-8265.10364Digestive System: A Team-Based Learning Module for HistologyKate Henkin0Keith W. Condon1James J. Brokaw21 Creighton University School of Pharmacy and Health Professions2 Indiana University School of Medicine3 Indiana University School of MedicineAbstract Introduction Team-based learning (TBL) is an instructional strategy that promotes greater student engagement in the classroom. In TBL, scheduled class time is not used for lecturing. Rather, students are expected to master the basic facts and concepts of the subject matter before coming to class. Class time is devoted to applying this knowledge to solve challenging problems with students' teams. The purpose of this module is for learners to become familiarized with the digestive system. Methods The module enables students to describe the structural and functional characteristics of the digestive system, explain the cellular mechanisms responsible for maintaining the digestive system, and interpret select clinical data related to disorders of these tissues. Moreover, students will be able describe the organization and function of the oral cavity, alimentary canal, and associated organs, as well as relate the digestive system's unique structural features to its function in health and disease. This TBL module consists of four documents, including the Instructor's Guide, the Individual Readiness Assurance Test (iRAT), the Group Readiness Assurance Test (gRAT), and the Group Application Exercise. Explanations of correct answers are provided with the iRAT and Group Application Exercise documents. Prior to the TBL session, students are expected to complete the advanced preparation assignment, which consists of textbook readings and laboratory work. Results When we implemented this module with a class of 30 graduate students, the mean scores for the iRAT (93.7%), the gRAT (100%), and the clinically oriented Group Application Exercise (85.3%) reflected solid student understanding of the structure and function of the digestive system. Discussion These results show that TBL methodology is an effective strategy to teach graduate-level histology and that students do not require formal lectures to learn the material. Based on our experience, we believe that TBL offers learning outcomes comparable to lecture-based instruction but with greater clinical relevance.http://www.mededportal.org/doi/10.15766/mep_2374-8265.10364Gastrointestinal TractHistologyDigestive System
spellingShingle Kate Henkin
Keith W. Condon
James J. Brokaw
Digestive System: A Team-Based Learning Module for Histology
MedEdPORTAL
Gastrointestinal Tract
Histology
Digestive System
title Digestive System: A Team-Based Learning Module for Histology
title_full Digestive System: A Team-Based Learning Module for Histology
title_fullStr Digestive System: A Team-Based Learning Module for Histology
title_full_unstemmed Digestive System: A Team-Based Learning Module for Histology
title_short Digestive System: A Team-Based Learning Module for Histology
title_sort digestive system a team based learning module for histology
topic Gastrointestinal Tract
Histology
Digestive System
url http://www.mededportal.org/doi/10.15766/mep_2374-8265.10364
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