Twelve tips for facilitating team-based learning

Background: Team-based learning (TBL) has become a more commonly recognized and implemented pedagogical approach in curricula of numerous disciplines. The desire to place more autonomy on the student and spend less in-class time delivering content has resulted in complete or partial adoption of this style of learning in many educational settings. Aim: Provide faculty with tools that foster a well facilitated and interactive TBL learning environment. Methods: We examined the published literature in the area of facilitation - specifically in TBL environments, and explored learning theories associated with team learning and our own experiences to create these facilitation tips. Results: We created 12 tips for TBL facilitation designed to assist faculty to achieve an effective and engaging TBL learning environment. Conclusions: Applying these twelve tips while facilitating a TBL classroom session will help to ensure maximal participation and optimal learning in a safe yet stimulating environment.