Male and Female Reproductive Systems: A Team-Based Learning Module for Histology

Abstract

Abstract This TBL module is one of 10 used in the four-credit-hour course entitled Basic Histology at the Indiana University School of Medicine. This course is intended primarily for graduate students seeking entry into medical school. As such, it is taught with the same depth and rigor as the first-year medical histology course at our institution and in many ways is an equivalent course. Each TBL session encompasses the content typically covered in 2 or 3 traditional one-hour lectures. Through the assigned text readings and other resources, the students are expected to master the basic facts and concepts of the subject matter before coming to class. In-class time is devoted to applying this knowledge to solve challenging problems with their teams. This module consists of five documents, including the Instructor's Guide, the Individual Readiness Assurance Test (iRAT), the Group Readiness Assurance Test (gRAT), the Group Application Exercise, and the Laboratory Guide. Explanations of correct answers are provided with the iRAT and Group Application Exercise documents. Our philosophy of teaching this module is to provide students with a comprehensive introduction to male and female reproductive systems coupled with sufficient clinical material to illustrate the relevance of this topic in practice. We have previously reported that TBL modules and traditional lectures produce comparable learning outcomes in histology, as measured by our end-of-unit multiple-choice exams. The students take the TBL process seriously. They study the relevant learning materials (textbook reading assignments and class notes) prior to coming to class, and they demonstrate a good understanding of the subject matter, as evidenced by their iRAT scores. The students also demonstrate effective teamwork, as evidenced by their gRAT scores and, more importantly, their performance on the group application exercises. Students rarely miss TBL sessions, and they seem to feel an obligation to their teammates.

Keywords

• TBL
• Team-Based Learning
• Histology
• Male Reproductive System
• Female Reproductive System