Team Based Learning: Fibroids, Normal and Abnormal Uterine Bleeding, Amenorrhea and Infertility

Abstract

Abstract Introduction This team-based learning (TBL) module instructs obstetrics and gynecology clerkship students on diagnosis and initial management of amenorrhea, fibroids, abnormal uterine bleeding, and infertility. The module is ideally suited for an active learning curriculum in which students are accustomed to preparing ahead of time and working through questions and cases in the classroom. Methods Students arrive at the session having read a series of prereadings. They first take a closed-book individual readiness assurance test (IRAT) to test their grasp of foundational information. They are then grouped into teams of five to seven students to complete the group readiness assurance test (GRAT), which is identical to the IRAT. The students remain in their teams as they complete an application exercise consisting of a case vignette and a number of complex multiple-choice questions. Results To date, 199 students making up 34 teams have completed the TBL module, with an average score of 80.10% (range: 50%-100%) on the IRAT, including four perfect scores; 99.26% (range: 96%-100%) on the GRAT; and 57.60% (range: 20%-80%) on the application exercise. Discussion We feel that TBL enables students to be more active learners compared to our previous didactic structure featuring PowerPoint-driven lectures. The advantages of this module are that (1) less faculty preparation time is needed, (2) students are actively engaged in application of the material, and (3) no traditional lecturing is required. We hope this method will deliver material effectively and allow us to utilize the precious time we spend with students to work on clinical reasoning skills and the nuances of clinical care.

Keywords

• TBL
• Team-Based Learning
• Amenorrhea
• Infertility
• Fibroids
• Leiomyomata