Great question! I am currently revising a paper addressing this issue
empirically, albeit a relatively small sample size. I also could find
very little in the literature.
I compared TBL in the same class of 24-31 students over three semesters in
three different classrooms. One had large tables, one old-fashioned but
movable desks, and one had office type chairs with wheels as well as small
tables on wheels that could be combined into an infinite number of
configurations.
I surveyed the students about their attitudes toward TBL and also about
their feelings about what aspects of the classroom space enhanced or
detracted from the effectiveness of TBL. I also compared individual and
group grades and peer evaluations. Interestingly, individual grades did
not appear to be effected by the different spaces. However, the students
were most satisfied/felt most effective in the most flexible space with
the movable tables and chairs. The next best, from the perspective of
student satisfaction, was the classroom with desks that could be easily
moved in a reasonably small circle. Peer evaluations also showed less
variance, the more flexible the space was, perhaps suggesting everyone
gets more involved and participate more fully when it is easier for all to
be involved physically.
I look forward to hear what others have to say on this topic.
Molly Espey
Applied Economics and Statistics
Clemson University
> Good Afternoon,
>
>
>
> Here at Indiana University School of Medicine, use of TBL is expanding.
> As we continue to
>
> expand the use of TBL throughout the four year curriculum, we are
> wondering what classroom
>
> configurations (facilities-chairs, tables, etc) serve as "best practice"
> for TBL. In researching TBL resources hoping to find
>
> this sort of information (and not finding much specific info), I am
> turning to you for your thoughts.
>
>
>
> If you could design a space dedicated to TBL, what are specific physical
> elements that you believe would enhance/foster the TBL experience?
>
>
>
> I'll gladly collate responses, and send them to the group!
>
>
>
> I appreciate your creative assistance!
>
>
>
> MJ
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Mary Jane Freund
>
> Educational CQI Manager
>
> Medical Education & Curricular Affairs
>
> Indiana University School of Medicine
>
> 714 Senate Avenue, E-F 200
>
> Indianapolis, IN 46202-3297
>
> Phone: 317.278.1428
>
> Fax: 317.278.8165
>
> Email: [log in to unmask]
>
>
>
> "How wonderful it is that nobody needs to wait a single moment before
> starting to improve the world."
>
> Frank, Anne
> <http://www.learningtogive.org/search/quotes/Display_Quotes.asp?author_i
> d=228&search_type=author> German-Jewish Teenager (1929-1945)
>
>
>
>
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