Using Team-Based Learning to Teach Social Work Research, Human Behavior, and Policy

Abstract

Team-based learning (TBL) is an innovative and highly structured pedagogy with promise for millennial students in social work programs. Through a reliance on team exercises and active learning, TBL encourages critical thinking, leadership skills, and coordinated learning activities. Incorporation of TBL can also directly relate social work courses to the appropriate Council on Social Work Education core competencies. TBL is presented as an effective method for educating millennial students who are accustomed to high stimulation and creativity in the classroom. This article provides an overview of TBL and examples of TBL assignments for social work courses, including research, human behavior in the social environment, and social welfare policy.