The successful implementation of team-based learning (TBL) is influenced by the nature of how teams are structured as well as by the nature of the activities that are undertaken by teams. Specifically, well-structured teams involved in the creation of their own understanding of course material using well-structured activities learn better and retain more. Successful TBL requires a team structure that allows students to effectively participate in the social construction of learning AND a set of activities which promotes that social construction process. Teams operate within a specific framework and process of interaction in order to achieve the class learning objectives; activities are organized to make explicit use of the team structure and provide a clear path through which teams can effectively and meaningfully create their personal knowledge under the instructor’s facilitation.

Using the principles underlying the POGIL (process-oriented guided inquiry learning) pedagogy, the facilitators of this workshop (all of whom have POGIL training and have written TBL activities) will guide participants through the creation of and justification for teams by working through an activity exploring the POGIL team approach. The second part of the workshop will have teams work through the process of the POGIL learning cycle which underlies an effective team-based learning activity. The learning cycle framework (Exploration, Concept Invention, and Application) provides a team with a “model” (a chart, graph or table), questions, and tasks by which the team not only creates a concept but can subsequently apply it. The workshop will end with a strategy for continuing to develop TBL skills in student team-building, team facilitation and activity writing. Through this workshop, participants will have a sense of how to begin the process of taking an existing course activity and start reworking it to accommodate a team-based, guided inquiry approach.