Team-Based Learning supported by FeedbackFruits
Move beyond passive learning. Team-based learning drives collaboration, critical thinking, and meaningful engagement.
Author: Jayne Wilkins, Senior Learning Designer
Jayne Wilkins is a Senior Learning Designer and researcher exploring how human learning has adapted across time, cultures, and technological landscapes.
What is team-based learning?
Team-based learning is an instructional strategy that uses structured group work to enhance learning and problem-solving. It typically involves pre-class preparation, in-class readiness assessments, and application exercises where teams work on complex problems. The method encourages peer collaboration and deeper engagement with the material.
Why team-based learning?
Research shows that team-based learning (TBL) helps students achieve better grades and understand subjects more deeply compared to traditional lectures. This method encourages students to study on their own before the application exercise and then work together in teams, which strengthens both personal and group learning. Many students also find TBL engaging and enjoyable.
Better grades
Students in TBL courses achieve higher exam and course grades - nearly half a standard deviation higher.
Liu and Beaujean, 2017
The effectiveness of team-based learning on academic outcomes: A meta-analysis
Decrease in attrition
12% decrease in attrition. TBL can effectively reduce student withdrawals before course completion.
Comeford, 2016
Team-based learning reduces attrition in a first-semester general chemistry course
Higher student satisfaction
Students express high satisfaction with team-based learning courses.
Abdelkhalek et al., 2010
Using team-based learning to prepare medical students for future problem-based learning
How does FeedbackFruits support team-based learning?
To implement TBL, educators first assign preparatory materials for students to review before class. Students then complete an individual readiness test (iRAT), followed by the same test taken collaboratively in teams to promote discussion and understanding. The teams then come together to engage in application exercises that require applying knowledge to solve complex, real-world problems. Throughout the process, instructors provide feedback to enhance learning and accountability.
FeedbackFruits' Team Based Learning can help streamline each phase of the TBL process, reducing administrative burden while enhancing collaboration. It can automate group formation, pre-class preparation, individual and team readiness tests, application exercises, reflection, and review, all within a single platform.
Acai Feedback Coach can enrich discussions and deepen reflection, while real-time analytics and automation can help educators efficiently manage group activities, track student progress, and foster meaningful engagement.
FeedbackFruits' Team Based Learning can help streamline each phase of the TBL process, reducing administrative burden while enhancing collaboration. It can automate group formation, pre-class preparation, individual and team readiness tests, application exercises, reflection, and review, all within a single platform.
Acai Feedback Coach can enrich discussions and deepen reflection, while real-time analytics and automation can help educators efficiently manage group activities, track student progress, and foster meaningful engagement.
Get started with team-based learning pedagogy using our pre-made learning templates
These templates—designed by experienced educators—offer proven structures for implementing TBL pedagogy. Simply select a template, customize it, and launch engaging activities in minutes.
Browse all templates
Team-based learning, directly within your LMS
FeedbackFruits integrates seamlessly with your Learning Management System, making it simple to incorporate team-based learning activities into your existing courses. Whether you teach online, hybrid, or face-to-face, FeedbackFruits ensures that activating student participation is just a few clicks away—no additional overhead, no steep learning curve.
Explore our free resources about team-based learning
Team-based learning: A guide to success
Gain understanding of team-based learning and how to best implement it in online and hybrid environments.
Read more
Digitizing team-based learning
This webinar explores the best practices from TBL experts at Texas Christian University School of Medicine, and learn how Boston College scaled TBL to foster collaboration and employability skills.
Read more
Team-Based Learning at Central Michigan University
Instructors at Central Michigan University optimized the team-based learning process in a 200-level Biology course with FeedbackFruits learning activities.
Read moreSee what FeedbackFruits learning activities can be used to support team-based learning
Team-based learning is hard. FeedbackFruits makes
it easier.
Unlock the full potential of team-based learning and more with the Learning Design System.
Explore the Learning Design System
