As I was searching for more evidence to support the team teaching concept I discussed in my last post, I came across this, Team-Based Learning. In this instruction model, a focus is put on pre-class preparation and group work. Fundamentally, students are assigned pre-class material, upon arrival in class students are tested individually on this material, then move into their assigned groups where the test is taken again as a group, following these assessments groups then move to working together on problems and discussion to further the learning. This would be an interesting shift in how my theory class operates. I picked up teaching my theory classes in the traditional lecture style that has always been used, which utilizes three tests worth 20% and one final worth 40%. This team-based approach increases the accountability of the students to keep up with their daily work. Our classes are extremely content heavy and progress rapidly, so we rarely have attendance issues, however this increased emphasis on pre-class preparation would add to the flow of the class, as well as help students develop better learning skills. A portion of the final grade then comes from the individual and team taken in-class tests, which would take some of the stress off of the current high-stakes exams. Paramedicine is a high-stakes profession, but I don't believe education must follow this, we should be preparing them for it, not expecting it from them. The focus on team test taking would foster discussion, and the ability to use resources to verify information. There are often discussions they'll face in the workplace about how best to treat a patient, and this could provide valuable experience in listening to others, critically analyzing options, and justifying decisions. I will certainly consider a lesson plan like this, not just for change, but as there are relevant skills fostered within this method. With a lot going on, I may incorporate it into one class, or even just a unit or two within one class to see how effective I find it, and how the students do with it. http://www.teambasedlearning.org/
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AuthorI teach Paramedicine at Cambrian College, in Sudbury, Ontario. I also continue to work as a paramedic, and ride bikes. This is my third semester in the PME program, and I look forward to learning with everyone! Archives
March 2017
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