Comparing Active Learning to Team-Based Learning in Undergraduate Neuroscience.
Date
2020-01
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Repository Usage Stats
views
downloads
Abstract
Team-based learning (TBL) is a special form of collaborative learning that involves the use of permanent working teams throughout the semester. In this highly structured and interactive teaching method, students perform preparatory activities outside of class to gain factual knowledge and understand basic concepts. In class, students collaborate with peers to apply content, analyze findings, and synthesize new ideas. To better understand the learning outcomes specific to TBL courses, we analyzed end-of-semester course evaluations from an undergraduate neuroscience course taught using either a moderate structure active learning or TBL format. Our analysis reveals that the TBL taught classes had significantly higher levels of self-reported learning in the areas of gaining, understanding, and synthesizing knowledge. We propose that these gains are driven by the TBL readiness assurance process and peer evaluations. Both of these structural components are expected to increase student accountability, motivation, and engagement with course content.
Type
Department
Description
Provenance
Citation
Permalink
Collections
Scholars@Duke
Minna Ng
Dr. Minna Ng teaches and advises for Duke's Undergraduate Studies in Neuroscience program. She earned her Bachelor's Degree in Biology at City College, City University of New York. After that, she was a research technician in a molecular biology lab that used optogenics. Dr. Ng earned her Ph.D. at the University of California, San Diego through the Department of Psychology. She investigated the perception of faces using psychophysical and brain imaging methods. Dr. Ng received postdoctoral training in the Department of Ophthalmology, where she studied glaucoma.
Within the Undergraduate Neuroscience program, Dr. Ng instructs several courses, including the Introduction to the Biological Bases of Behavior (gateway course to the Neuroscience major); Educational Neuroscience; Neuroscience and Nutrition; and Neuroscience Service Learning. Her approach to teaching prioritizes cognitive diversity and student collaboration, using team-based methods that promote active learning and critical thinking skills. Dr. Ng's current research focuses on identifying teaching practices that increase student learning and improve classroom dynamics.
Dr. Ng is actively involved in supporting first-generation, working-class and low-income students. She also partners with local community organizations to promote STEM education.
Thomas Mark Newpher
I teach, mentor, and advise for Duke's Undergraduate Studies in Neuroscience program, and serve as the Associate Director of Undergraduate Studies in Neuroscience. I also direct the Summer Neuroscience Program of Research in the Duke Institute for Brain Sciences. I earned my Ph.D. in molecular biology from Case Western Reserve University. After graduate school, I came to Duke University to receive postdoctoral training in the Neurobiology Department, where my research focused on identifying molecular mechanisms that underlie learning-related synaptic plasticity.
As the director of the Summer Neuroscience Program, I provide mentorship and professional development opportunities for undergraduate research fellows. My courses use a variety of team-based learning activities to promote critical thinking skills, foster collaboration among students, and create an engaging, student-centered classroom experience. As a co-PI in the Duke Team-Based Learning lab, I study the impacts of collaborative learning on student performance and classroom dynamics.
Unless otherwise indicated, scholarly articles published by Duke faculty members are made available here with a CC-BY-NC (Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial) license, as enabled by the Duke Open Access Policy. If you wish to use the materials in ways not already permitted under CC-BY-NC, please consult the copyright owner. Other materials are made available here through the author’s grant of a non-exclusive license to make their work openly accessible.