TBL, Team Based Learning, is constructed of pre-class, in-class and post-class activities.

Study guides including learning goals and important key words for each module are usually available at start of each course and used by the student as preparation material in the pre-class phase. Answers to questions and problems stated in the study guides must be found by the student in text books, papers, lectures and on-line resources prior to the in-class activities.

In-class activities are usually started by an individual readiness assurance test (iRAT). The iRAT is composed of single best answer multiple choice questions (MCQs) with one correct alternative and three distractors. These tests need to be passed in order to pass the course. Each correct answer will give a score of four points. The iRAT is immediately followed by a team RAT (tRAT) where the same questions are addressed by the entire group that now discuss, argue, justify and agree upon the correct alternative. A scratch ticket (IF-AT®) with the correct alternative indicated which gives the group immediate feedback if the chosen alterative is the correct answer or not. It is important that the group agrees on the correct alternative before scratching. The tRATs are not part of the individual grading. If the group disagrees with the correct answer a written appeal is submitted containing a reasoning why another alternative is the best choice, backed up with scientific references.

The RAT process is followed by an application seminar usually the day after or later on the same day where students work with problem solving, written assignments, oral presentations or hypothesis testing to apply their knowledge. Post-class alternatives include working with course assignments, group evaluations and addressing knowledge gaps found during in-class activites.

For more information look at the short video explaining the concepts of TBL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZd4GBdiwY4Links to an external site.