I have just begun to use team-based learning in a class of 41 Physician Assistant students; the current course is on communication in the medical encounter and I have found the team approach very enlivening. However, what I have noticed is that the team discussions are very intense and lively and then when we come back together as a group, the conversation halts. Reviewing the questions poorly understood on the R.A.T. has taken a kind of semantic turn, as well (pointing to some of my limitations as a test question designer), rather than what seem to be the more substantive issues.

I am wondering if others have some techniques of transitioning, or making use of the energy of the teams to share some of the insights with the entire class. Or does it matter? I had the experience of spending time with a team, engaged in a great conversation and then when I suggested the topic be shared later on, the interest in discussing it seemed gone.

Thanks,

Alice

Alice B. Fox, DrPH, PA-C

Mercy College

Graduate Program in Physician Assistant Studies

1200 Waters Place

Bronx, N.Y. 10461

(914)674-7658

email: [log in to unmask]

fax: (718)678-8605