Nottingham Trent University (NTU) has a long standing commitment to embedding active and collaborative pedagogies across its learning environments. While SCALE UP has been the predominant model in recent years, the 2023–2024 academic year saw the launch of a pilot exploring Team Based Learning (TBL) as a potentially complementary approach. The pilot sought to understand whether TBL could enhance students’ Academic Behavioural Confidence (ABC), hypothesised as a mechanism for strengthening engagement and improving attainment. Central to this work was NTU’s continued focus on addressing disparities experienced by students from groups traditionally underrepresented in higher education in the UK.
The evaluation adopted a mixed methods design to build a rounded picture of how TBL shaped learning behaviours and outcomes. Quantitatively, students completed pre and post TBL ABC surveys, enabling analysis of changes in confidence across the duration of their modules. Module outcome data were also compared to identify potential shifts in attainment patterns. Qualitative data was gathered through student focus groups and staff discussions.
The pilot highlighted notable gains in students’ confidence, particularly in relation to verbal communication—an area consistently identified by both staff and students as a barrier to participation in traditional settings. Statistical analysis showed significant increases in students’ confidence to speak and contribute during class activities. Furthermore, improvements in attainment were most evident among students at the lower end of the grade spectrum. Qualitative findings reinforced the value of the structured team environment, with students reporting greater feelings of belonging, community, and readiness to engage.
The findings suggest that TBL offers a powerful addition to NTU’s active collaborative learning landscape. It’s early success has led to a full institutional rollout in 2026 as part of the ACL project supporting NTU’s 2025-29 Access and Participation Plan (governed by the UK’s Office for Students) looking to strengthen both the reach and quality of active collaborative learning at NTU.
