SEMINAR: Team-based learning: more learning with less teaching?

With UWA's transition to New Courses 2012, we have a golden opportunity to reconsider the content and structure of our units. Team-based learning (TBL) is a distinct alternative to lecture-based instruction in university classes. Class sessions revolve around the students solving challenging problems in small teams, with little 'lecturing' involved. This structure provides two main benefits. Firstly, it develops the communication and teamwork skills that are especially desirable to employers. Secondly, educational research strongly supports the effectiveness of problem-based and cooperative learning methods in university education.

In this seminar, I’ll present the results of the application of TBL to the undergraduate unit Data Collection and Analysis (ENVE2601) in 2009-2011. The net result is more satisfied students, a far more enjoyable unit to teach and, as indicated byinterviews with students, a deep understanding of the key unit concepts.