A study on the Perceptions of Team-Based Learning in Community Medicine among Phase Three (Part One) Students in a Medical College in Telangana.

Abstract

Background: The adoption of TBL is an effective TLM as it envisages students working in teams to resolve
the clinical-practice-related issues. The current study was undertaken to gauge the perceptions of UG students
in phase-3 of their MBBS course as regards TBL. Materials and Methods: A qualitative cross-sectional
study was conducted among phase-3 (part-1) students, for 2 months, in Bhaskar Medical College, Telangana.
Google forms for RATs and a 20 item TBL-SAI was readied wherein perceptions had to be marked on 4
subscales, on a Likert scale. Students were sensitised, reading material shared and 10 teams each of 8-10
students were formed. Four TBL sessions were held in which iRATs, tRATs & Case-based scenarios were
administered. Correct answers for RATs and cases were discussed with teams answering and presenting their
cases. During the last session, TBL-SAI forms were administered. Scores were analysed as percentages and
Excel software was used to bring about Correlation between variables. ANOVA was used to reject/accept
Null hypothesis. Results: High correlation was found when it came to students’ accountability aspect. TBL
was rated significantly superior to traditional lectures. Students had a satisfactory experience and enjoyed the
activities, and learnt better with TBL. The correlation between problem-solving and other variables was found
to be very high in TBL. Conclusions: There was an enhanced understanding of concepts and principles of
interactive and applied learning activities among the students. Experience with TBL was promising in terms
of accountability, preference for learning mode, students’ satisfaction and benefits obtained. Provision of
immediate feedback helped students learn better.