Alicia,

Here is a reply to your email from Alison Mann at New Mexico State who uses extensively in her nursing classes.

Ken Martin

Hello, Alicia! I teach nursing at New Mexico State University and have used team based learning in all my classes for the last 4 years. (I also just received the Christmore Award for Excellence in Teaching which is nominated by students and faculty and voted on by students) so I feel comfortable saying that the method works and is generally loved by students. There are two other nursing faculty here who, having seen the success in my course, have adopted it for their courses as well. In fact, I am writing an article on how to use TBL in nursing courses.

Unfortunately you have caught me in final exam week, and I don't have time to respond to you as thoroughly as I'd like. So please feel free to call me (505 646-1919)after the first of the year (we start our holiday break next week) or email me directly([log in to unmask]) and I'll pick it up from home in a couple of weeks and will respond to you there.

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Dr. Alison Mann

Alison Smalley Mann, RN,MSN,EdD

Department of Nursing

MSC 3185,

New Mexico State University

PO Box 30001

Las Cruces,NM 88003-8001

Email: [log in to unmask]

Tel: (505) 646-1919

Fax: 505 646-2167

From: Team Learning Discussion List [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Alicia & Scott Swanson
Sent: Wednesday, December 07, 2005 12:36 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: TBL

Hello! My name is Alicia Swanson. I am a graduate student at Concordia College in Moorhead, MN  working on my master's degree in nursing education. I have been exploring team based learning (TBL) as a teaching strategy in nursing education. As a part of my independent study for the semester, I have implemented team-based learning in my practicum setting. My practicum experience is in theory class related to pediatric nursing and specific disease processes.

I have reviewed the articles on the TBL website and read the TBL book. It is all wonderfully written information!! In addition, I have had a wonderful time exploring this teaching strategy. I was wondering would you mind me asking you questions via email about your experience with team-based learning?

First of all, have you heard of any nursing instructors or schools that have implemented TBL into their curriculum? If so, could you describe the course, how it was implemented, and your success with the strategy? I have seen a lot of medical education programs with TBL but nothing much on nursing. In my literature review, I did not find may references related to team-based learning. Do you have any other references that are of assistance to you?

Also, I have had a lot of student resistance in implementing this new teaching strategy. Do you have any suggestions for a smoother transition? I have even had students trying to sabotage the class period by not preparing in hopes that I may lecture the entire period. Also, the evaluations reflect that they want lecture and nothing else. How long does it typically take for students to "adjust" to this new way of learning? I have also found that they are complaining about how I am not "teaching them" or that it is like an "independent study." Have you experienced any of these reactions from students?

Any feedback or additional references and ideas would be much appreciated. I thank you so much for your time. Happy Holidays!!

Sincerely,

Alicia Swanson

Dr. Kenneth J. Martin
Department of Finance, MSC 3FIN
New Mexico State University
P.O. Box 30001
Las Cruces, NM 88003-8001
(505) 646-1236
[log in to unmask]