Team-based learning in pathology: Lessons learned from a pilot study

Introduction: Team-based learning (TBL) is an approach where the learners are organized in groups where they learn from each other. This TBL is a student-centric approach, which ensures active participation of each member and also promotes teamwork and learning ability. Looking at the teacher-centric approach of the conventional teaching–learning (CTL) methods in medical education, where the students are mere passive learners and the sessions can be monotonous, TBL seems to be extremely relevant today as a more student-centric teaching–learning method. Methods: This randomized crossover study was conducted in the department of pathology, at one of the largest government medical colleges, on students of II MBBS, wherein they were exposed to TBL session and their learning outcome and perception was compared to that after CTL method that is lecture (CTL). The data were analyzed using Primer version 6 software. Results: In this study, there was a statistically significant improvement in the score of students after exposure to TBL. Furthermore, there was a significant difference in the learning outcome of students of TBL as compared to CTL. The student perception trends reveal a positive tilt toward TBL. Conclusion: Our pilot study concludes that TBL can be used as a supplement to the conventional lectures for improving the learning as well as teamwork and leadership skills of students.