Team-based learning in biochemistry teaching at undergraduate level

The teaching of biochemistry is often exposed in theoretical classes, being seen by the students as a discipline of difficult learning. The team-based learning (TBL) is an active learning tool that combines the independent preparation of the student before the class with the discussion in small groups in class, and the student assumes an active position in the learning. We adopted the TBL in the teaching of lipid metabolism in the discipline of biochemistry. In this study, we evaluated the students' perceptions about TBL through a survey and also through a comparison of the student performance of three semester students who answered the same questions within a test. For the preparation of the activity, lectures were given and supplemented with reading of textbooks and videotapes. On the day of the activity, the students performed the individual test, the team test and finally a general discussion of the subject addressed. The results demonstrate that the students felt motivated; however, they presented difficulties in working in group. The students' performance in the test improved in relation to students who participated only in lectures or complemented with a directed study. This work allows concluding that the insertion of active methodology like TBL favors the development of cognitive and non-cognitive abilities and can be an effective teaching strategy for biochemistry.