Learning in groups: Teamshaping in the teaching of medical psychology.

Abstract

Although it is of growing importance in modern medicine, the ability to work in teams usually plays no explicit role in medical education. We compared the method of Teamshaping with 'traditional' teaching. Ninety-six students in 6 groups pursued a course in medical psychology with traditional teaching methods, while 46 students in 4 groups participated in Teamshaping. To evaluate the team approach, we used the Group Climate Questionnaire, Short Version (GCQ-S). University of Vienna, Medical School. Third-year medical students. In terms of group climate both groups benefited from teaching, regardless of the method. Teamshaping, however, initially imposed a greater strain on the students than traditional teaching. This changed towards the end of the seminar. Teamshaping produced a stronger sense of commitment and a reduction of perceived conflicts. The model is recommended for teaching medical students because it not only extends traditional teaching towards small group learning but adds a competency in teamwork. It introduces students to a better working style and gives them an additional perspective for use in their future profession.