Team-Based Learning - Pituitary Disease

Abstract

Abstract TBL is an excellent method to encourage team work and have students apply what they are learning to case vignettes. This team-based learning (TBL) module is utilized in a second-year endocrine course to teach pathophysiology of pituitary diseases including pituitary tumors, normal and abnormal hypothalamic-pituitary function, normal and abnormal regulation of vasopressin secretion and water metabolism, and diabetes insipidus. The content is provided in three main areas: advanced preparation reading, readiness assessment tests, and a group application exercise. The advanced preparation reading for this module is provided in three review articles which must be read prior to the TBL session. The individual readiness assessment test (IRAT) is given first individually and then again as a group readiness assurance test (GRAT) after the students are assigned into 5- to 7-person groups. The GRAT is discussed with the entire group to ensure understanding of the basic concepts. Then the teams work on the group application exercise to apply the concept to patient cases. The session concludes with a group application exercise. Groups display their answers at once and then discuss the reasoning behind their choices. In the group application there is one best answer but other choices may be partially correct. Students need to be encouraged to consider all possibilities and to logically reason out their answers. Answers to the IRAT/GRAT and application exercise are provided as part of the publication.

Keywords

• Diabetes Insipidus
• TBL
• Team-based Learning
• Pituitary Tumor
• Acromegaly
• Prolactinoma