Online team based learning in teaching Biochemistry for first year MBBS students during COVID-19 pandemic

The emergence of Corona Virus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic had unprecedented effects on medical education worldwide. Sustaining student engagement in virtual learning is an arduous task. Team based learning (TBL) is a learner-centered approach that can facilitate better student engagement. Adapting TBL to online platform may address the challenges faced in virtual learning. This study was conducted to implement and evaluate online TBL among first year MBBS students in Biochemistry. After obtaining informed consent, three online TBL sessions were planned. The Individual Readiness Assessment Test, Group Readiness Assessment Test, and team application were assigned in Google classroom. The students used online platforms for their team interactions. After submitting their assignments, they joined online discussion with facilitator. Peer evaluation was done via Google forms. At the end of all the sessions, the students' perceptions on the process were collected using a structured anonymous feedback with open comments. Analysis of their feedback showed that the students found the process useful and it helped in fostering their team skills. Five major themes emerged on content analysis of the open comments; 'Enriched team skills', 'Gain in knowledge', 'Impact on attitude', 'Interaction during pandemic', and 'Emotional responses'. Students perceived that the online TBL is effective in improving their engagement, learning, and team skills.