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Hello Sharona,

It's interesting that the faculty have "mixed feelings" about disclosing to students the methods of teaching used in the classroom. I cannot think of a clear reason why students should not know in advance how a course will be delivered, especially if the delivery method is new to them.

Maybe you could ask your fellow faculty members if they were a student if they would want to know or not.

Our entire curriculum is being designed to be delivered using TBL and we share this information freely with potential students (and faculty we recruit) so that they are aware of our approach to classroom teaching. We believe it would be unethical for us to "surprise" them (students and faculty) with TBL when most would be expecting the typical death by PowerPoint. TBL requires a completely different approach to learning by the students and I believe it's appropriate for them to know what is in store for them in and out of the classroom.

We do not have an institutional policy on disclosing a teaching method, as far as I know, however we are required to post all syllabi to our website. We do not have a policy that dictates how a faculty member is to teach in the classroom. TBL is too new to our campus for a policy that addresses whether or not a course should be called TBL. And I would be surprised if any institution has a policy which is that specific.

Many approaches to teaching are commonly referred to as "TBL," but are actually other methods. I have met many faculty members who initially think that when "teams" are involved and "learning" occurs ... it's team-based learning. I think you will miss out on a wonderful opportunity by not sharing with them your intent to use TBL. Your fellow faculty members may be surprised at how positively the students respond if they are well informed in advance of what will happen in the classroom.

Best regards,

Lane

Lane J. Brunner, Ph.D., R.Ph.
Dean and Sam A. Lindsey Professor
Ben and Maytee Fisch College of Pharmacy
The University of Texas at Tyler
3900 University Blvd, ADM 358
Tyler, TX  75799
Tel: 903.566.7168
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________________________________
From: Team-Based Learning [[log in to unmask]] on behalf of Sharona A. Levy [[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Tuesday, March 04, 2014 2:43 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Designating Courses "TBL"

We have been discussing whether or not to designate courses as “TBL” in the schedule of classes so that students are aware that the class will be conducted using TBL before they register.

Our faculty have mixed feelings about the pros and cons of doing this. It also raises the question of how to determine whether a  course should be called TBL or not, given the wide variety that students might experience from individual faculty who say they are using TBL.

Anyone willing to share their institution’s policies on this matter?

Suggestions, experiences, and/or opinions all welcome.

Thanks,
Sharona

Sharona A. Levy
Faculty Fellow
School of Humanities and Social Sciences
3238 Boylan Hall
Brooklyn College/CUNY
718-951-5000 x8506
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