Does medical students’ perception of team-based learning have an impact on achieving planned learning outcomes?

Students’ perceptions of pedagogies can be a barrier for active learning. We explored whether students’ opinion of team-based learning (TBL) impacted knowledge acquisition. A mixed method study was conducted during the Infectious diseases and Immunity module for undergraduate Year 2 medical students. Student evaluation after each TBL session was collected using eight parameters on a 5-point Likert scale. Scores of the end-of-session test were compared with individual readiness assurance test (iRAT) scores. Statistical analysis was done to compare and correlate knowledge scores and students’ ratings. Focused group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with students for in-depth feedback on their perceived value and effectiveness of TBL. A total of 96 students participated in the study. End-of-session test scores were significantly higher than iRAT scores (p-value < 0.0001). There was no difference in end-of session test scores (p-value < 0.664) between students who gave an overall rating of 1/2 versus 4/5. Pearson correlation showed no relationship between student rating and iRAT or end-of-session test scores. A higher proportion of students agreed that TBL enhanced critical thinking, engagement, accountability, and conceptual understanding, but only half of the students wanted TBL as a strategy in other modules. FGD with fifteen students predominantly identified that extensive pre-reading material led to learner dissatisfaction and disengagement. Though they affirmed that the quizzes and application exercises were helpful in clarification of difficult concepts. TBLs improved students’ knowledge acquisition independent of their rating of TBL sessions. Lengthy pre-reading material, longer duration, and lack of equal participation were attributed to a lower rating. Redesigning TBL sessions according to students’ feedback may improve students’ perception of TBL in the future. This study contributes to the literature on the effectiveness and acceptability of TBL by assessing academic performance and feedback and exploring student perception.