Team-Based Learning: A Faculty Learning Community at Salem State College

Abstract

Our paper presents the research design created by a multidisciplinary group of Salem State College instructors to study the effectiveness of team-based learning, a pedagogical approach that is growing in popularity. According to its advocates, team -based learning fosters durable learning because it requires students to apply concepts rather than merely memorize them. In addition, this teaching strategy may develop students’ collaborative skills, promote a sense of accountability and create high-energy classroom exchanges. A Faculty Research Community at Salem State College has been set-up to test these assumptions. This paper will present its methodology and preliminary results, specifically examining whether team-based learning, which is more commonly used in business and science courses, can translate into political science and liberal arts classes. The paper will also discuss how faculty research communities help improve teaching and learning, and it will suggest that such groups at teaching-centered colleges are well positioned to evaluate new pedagogical approaches.