Boise State Teaching Scholars
Team-Based Learning: A Model for Student Engagement
Description
Upon graduation, many - if not most - students will get a job that requires them to work as part of a team. In fact, failure to function as part of a team is a top five reason for early career employees to be fired.
Faculty often require teamwork on projects or other course assignments. Those same faculty often find that the one thing the experience teaches is that working in teams is inefficient and not enjoyable. Frequently, teamshave a couch potato and the product from a team’s efforts is best described as a Frankenstein paper where it is obvious that the team approached the paper or presentation from a “divide and conquer” vantage point. Students aren’t proud of their work product and faculty find the experience has fostered less learning that it could have.
An approach that addresses the concerns of faculty and students is Team-Based Learning (TBL), an approach that is “a special form of collaborative learning using a specific sequence of individual work, group work and immediate feedback to create a motivational framework in which students increasingly hold each other accountable for coming to class prepared and contributing to discussion.”[1]
To accomplish this, TBL requires a paradigm shift:
- Course goals shift from knowing to applying
- Teacher shifts from “sage on the stage” or “guide on the side” to “meddler in the middle”
- Students shift from passive to active learners
- Responsibility for learning shifts from instructor to student
Participants in the TBL cohort will explore what TBL is, why it works in classrooms that can be application oriented, and how to write activities and facilitate learning in a TBL classroom. Participants will be expected to try some aspects of TBL in their classroom in the fall and spring semesters. There is no expectation that participants implement a wholesale adoption of TBL. TBL cohort members will also observe a fellow participant teaching with TBL
This group will be facilitated by Andy Goodman, Associate Director, CTL
Expectations
- Meetings:
Scholars participating in this group will meet twice a month from August 2012 through May 2013. Meetings will be held on Fridaysfrom 11:45am-1:30pm.
- Teaching Log
Each scholar will keep a regular teaching log during the 2012-2013 academic year.
- Teaching and LearningProjects:
Each Scholar will explore best practices for teaching in his/her discipline and will be supported to conduct ascholarly project aimed at advancing understanding of what works to improve student learning. Scholars will implement their project during the 2012-2013 academic year and provide a final report of the outcomes.
- Peer Observation:
Each Scholar will observe at least one other Team-Based Learning Scholar during the Fall 2012 semester. The goal of the observation is to provide a catalyst for discussion and an opportunity to learn how a faculty member from a different discipline engages students, manages classroom details, organizes information delivery, etc.
Benefits
- Professional expenses
Each Teaching Scholarwill receive up to $500 for professional expenses.
- A common book and other information resources
- Community
- A major component of the Boise State Teaching Scholars program is to foster community for faculty across disciplines. Regular meetings and opportunities for social interaction are built into the program.
Eligibility
- Full-time and part-time faculty memberswho have been teaching at Boise State for at least one year (2 semesters) are eligible to apply for Teaching Scholars positions. Part-time faculty are expected have plans to teach at Boise State during both semesters of the 12-13 academic year.
- Both faculty who have implemented some aspect of Team-based Learning and those who are novices are welcome.
Application
- Your application indicates you can meet the expectations described above.
- Applications are due to the CTL (ILC 315, MS 1005) by noon on April 13, 2012.
Selection and First Meeting
- The Boise State Teaching Scholars forTeam-Based Learning: A Model for Student Engagementwill consist of 6-8 participants.
- Selections will be announced via email by Friday April 20, 2012.
- The opening retreat for this group will be held on Friday, May 4, 2012 from 3:00-4:30 pm. Please keep this date open in case your application is selected.
Sponsor
The Boise State Teaching Scholars is sponsored by the Center for Teaching and Learning.
Questions?
Questions can be directed to Andy Goodman at the Center for Teaching and Learning ( or x6-3704)
Text:
This BSTS group will begin with the following text as a resource, and will draw upon other resources as the interests of the group dictate.
Michaelsen, L.K, Bauman Knight, A., & Fink, L.D. (2002). Team-based learning: A transformative use of small groups in college teaching. Sterling, VA: Stylus.
Potential Topics to Explore:
The following is a list of topics this group might explore. It is not exhaustive. The group will determine those topics to be chosen for investigation and discussion by this BSTS community. Additional resources will be provided by the facilitators or will be located by group members.
- What is Team-Based Learning?
- Creating effective group assignments
- Facilitating team work
- Team-Based Learning in large classes
- TBL in online courses
- Peer evaluation
- Readiness Assurance tests (RATs
- TBL in Disciplinary Lens or foundational courses
- Simultaneous reporting made effective
Team-Based Learning: A Model for Student Engagement
Schedule of Meetings
May2012 / Opening Retreat Friday, May 4, 20125, 3:30-5:00 pm
Welcome to the Boise State Teaching Scholars
August 2012 / Friday, August 31, 2012 – 11:45 am - 1:30 pm[2]
September 2012 / Friday September 14, 2012 – 11:45am-1:30pm
Friday September 28, 2012 – 11:45am-1:30pm
October 2012 / Friday, October 12, 2012 – 11:45 am - 1:30 pm
Friday, October 19, 2012 – 11:45 am - 1:30 pm
November 2012 / Friday, November 2, 2012 – 11:45 am - 1:30 pm
Friday, November 16, 2012– 11:45 am - 1:30 pm
Friday, November 30, 2012 – 11:45 am – 1:30 pm
December 2012 / Friday, December 7, 2012 – 11:45 am - 1:30 pm
Sunday, December 9, 2012 – 6:00 pm
Pot-luck Holiday Gathering
Andy Goodman’s Home: spouses, SOs, and families invited
January
2013 / Friday, January 25, 2013 – 11:45 am - 1:30 pm
February 2013 / Friday, February 8, 2013 – 11:45 am - 1:30 pm
Friday, February 22, 2013– 11:45 am - 1:30 pm
March
2013 / Friday, March 8, 2013 – 11:45 am - 1:30 pm
Friday, March 22, 2013– 11:45 am - 1:30 pm
April
2013 / Friday, April12, 2013 – 11:45 am - 1:30 pm
Friday, April 26, 2013 – 11:45 am - 1:30 pm
May
2013 / Friday, May 10, 2013 – 11:45 – 2pm
Potluck Luncheon and Poster Session
Boise State Teaching Scholars
Team-Based Learning: A Model for Student Engagement
Application for 2012-2013
Please bring or send completed form to:
Center for Teaching and Learning, ILC 315, MS 1005
Submission Deadline: Noon, Friday, April 13, 2012.
(A selection committee will review all applications and notification will be sent by Friday, April 20, 2012 with the first meeting occurring on Friday, May 4, 2012 from 3:00-4:30 pm in ILC 315)
Name:Department: / College:
Office Phone: / Email:
Rank:
Total Years Teaching: / Total Years at Boise State:
For Fall 2012, please list the courses you are teaching (with enrollments).
For Spring 2013, please indicate the courses you will likely be teaching, with expected enrollments.
What do you believe you can gain from participating in this faculty learning community?
What perspectives, abilities, and experiences, do you expect you can contribute to this group?
What are your biggest challengesor questions aboutimplementing teamwork/group work in your classroom?
Applicant’s Signature
I am able to meet twice each month on Friday from 11:45am-1:30pm during the Fall2012and Spring 2013semesters.
YESNO
If I am selected as a participant in this community, I agree to participate fully in the community’s activities, including the associated investigations, readings, projects, and reports. I will participate in sharing the things I learn with faculty outside the community.
______
SignatureDate
Department Chair’s Signature
I endorse the above applicant’s participation in the Boise State Teaching Scholars and will support the implementation of the curricular and pedagogical work completed.
I understand that this community involves a full-year commitment. If the applicant is an adjunct faculty member or a graduate student, I verify the applicant has been teaching at Boise State for at least two semesters and will be teaching at Boise State during Fall 2012and Spring 2013semesters.
I will work to schedule the participant’s teaching commitments to avoid the Friday 11:45am-1:30pm time frame.
______
SignatureDate
[1] Michael Sweet, xxxx
[2] Participants are welcome to bring lunch to the regular meetings.