SHORT SUMMARY
The study, titled “Implementing Team-Based Learning of Blended Learning Method in Concept-Based Curriculum,” examines the impact of Team-Based Learning (TBL) on Information Systems students at Bina Nusantara University, Indonesia. A quasi-experimental method was employed to compare students’ midterm and final test results, with TBL introduced in the second half of the semester as part of a blended learning approach.
Key findings include:
- Test Scores Decrease: Contrary to most TBL research, the average score decreased from 83.26 in the midterm to 72.39 in the final test.
- Possible Factors:
- Adjustment Period: Students may need time to adapt from traditional blended learning to TBL.
- Insufficient Duration: The implementation of TBL for only two months may have been inadequate.
- Material Complexity: Post-midterm materials were potentially more challenging than pre-midterm ones.
- Unique Outcome: The study’s results challenge the conventional notion that TBL universally improves academic performance, highlighting the need for further research.
The research emphasizes the importance of context, such as course content and student background, in determining the effectiveness of TBL.
Key Takeaways
- TBL Implementation Is Context-Dependent: The results show that TBL’s success depends on various factors, including duration, preparation, and the complexity of course materials.
- Contradictory Outcomes Highlight Research Gaps: The findings provide a basis for exploring how TBL can be optimized for different disciplines and educational environments.
- Challenges in Measuring Effectiveness: While TBL has potential benefits, its impact may not always align with traditional metrics like test scores, indicating a need for broader evaluation methods.
- Foundation for Further Study: This research contributes valuable insights to the literature on TBL, particularly in Information Systems education, and invites further investigation into its application across different contexts.
Who Can Benefit from This Research?
1. Higher Education Institutions
- Curriculum Developers: The findings provide insights into how Team-Based Learning (TBL) can be integrated effectively into a blended learning curriculum, particularly for Information Systems and similar programs.
- Faculty Members: Instructors can learn about the challenges and considerations when implementing TBL, including the need for adequate preparation and adjustment periods.
- Academic Administrators: The study highlights areas for improvement in transformative learning strategies, offering guidance for implementing innovative teaching methods.
2. Information Systems Educators
- This research is particularly relevant to educators in Information Systems and similar technical fields, as it focuses on the challenges specific to such disciplines when adopting TBL.
3. Researchers
- Educational Researchers: The study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on TBL and blended learning, providing a unique outcome that can inform future studies and meta-analyses.
- Researchers in Learning Strategies: The research underscores the importance of context in learning strategies, encouraging exploration into discipline-specific and cultural factors affecting TBL effectiveness.
4. Students
- Information Systems Students: They can benefit indirectly from improved TBL implementation, leading to more engaging and effective learning experiences.
- General Student Populations: Lessons from this research can inform better teaching strategies in other disciplines as well.
5. Education Technology Developers
- Developers of Learning Management Systems (LMS) and educational tools can use the insights to design platforms that better support TBL and blended learning models.
6. Policymakers
- The findings can help policymakers understand the challenges and potential of implementing TBL and blended learning in educational institutions, guiding funding and policy decisions.
7. Professional Development Trainers
- Trainers tasked with enhancing faculty teaching methods can use this study to highlight the practical challenges of TBL and the importance of sufficient time for adjustment and implementation.
