Skip to main content
Log in

Use of the Team-Based Learning Readiness Assessment Test as a Low-Stakes Weekly Summative Assessment to Promote Spaced and Retrieval-Based Learning

  • Short Communication
  • Published:
Medical Science Educator Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Spaced learning and retrieval-based learning are two powerful learning tools that have repeatedly been shown to be effective learning strategies. Team-Based Learning (TBL) is a collaborative learning and teaching approach that is evidence-based and promotes active learning. To combine these learning strategies, we designed a TBL-centered preclinical curriculum that uses the readiness assurance test (RAT) as a low-stakes weekly summative assessment to promote spaced learning and retrieval-based learning. Since student preference for massed learning over spaced learning is well established, a TBL-centered curriculum designed to encourage spaced and retrieval-based learning may be beneficial to student learning.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Fig. 1
Fig. 2

References

  1. Smolen P, Zhang Y, Byrne JH. Memory extinction The right time to learn: mechanisms and optimization of spaced learning. Nat Rev Neurosci. 2016;17:77–88.

  2. Karpicke JD, Bauernschmidt A. Spaced retrieval: absolute spacing enhances learning regardless of relative spacing. J Exp Psychol Learn Mem Cogn. 2011;37:1250–7.

  3. Ariel R, Karpicke JD. Improving self-regulated learning with a retrieval practice intervention. J Exp Psychol Appl. 2018;24:43–56.

  4. Karpicke J. Retrieval-based learning: A decade of progress. In: Wixted J, editor. Cogn Psychol Mem Vol 2 Learn Mem A compreshensive Ref (J H Byrne, Ser Ed). Oxford: Academic Press; 2017. p. 487–514.

  5. Michaelsen LK, Parmelee DX, McMahon KK LR. Team-Based Learning for Health Professions Education: A Guide to Using Small Groups for Improving Learning. Stylus Publishing; 2008.

  6. Haidet P, Kubitz K, McCormack WT. Analysis of the Team-Based Learning Literature: TBL Comes of Age. J Excell Coll Teach. 2014;25:303–33.

  7. Hrynchak P, Batty H. The educational theory basis of team-based learning. Med Teach. 2012;34:796–801.

  8. Fatmi M, Hartling L, Hillier T, Campbell S, Oswald AE. The effectiveness of team-based learning on learning outcomes in health professions education: BEME Guide No. 30. Med Teach. 2013;35:e1608–24.

  9. Bleske BE, Remington TL, Wells TD, Klein KC, Guthrie SK, Tingen JM, et al. A Randomized Crossover Comparison of Team-based Learning and Lecture Format on Learning Outcomes. Am J Pharm Educ. 2016;80:120.

  10. Sheakley ML, Bauler TJ, Vandre DD, Woodwyk A, Dickinson BL. Effectiveness of instructor-guided independent learning in comparison to traditional didactic lecture in the preclinical medical curriculum: A retrospective cohort study. Med Teach. 2019;41:795–801.

  11. Kornell N, Bjork RA. Learning concepts and categories: Is spacing the “enemy of induction”? Psychol Sci. 2008;19:585–92.

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Timothy J. Bauler.

Ethics declarations

Conflict of Interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Ethical Approval

All procedures performed in studies involving human participants were in accordance with the ethical standards of the institutional review board and with the 1964 Helsinki declaration and its later amendments or comparable ethical standards. This article does not contain any studies with animals performed by any of the authors.

Informed Consent

Informed consent was obtained from all individual participants included in the study.

Additional information

Publisher’s Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Bauler, T.J., Sheakley, M.L. & Ho, A. Use of the Team-Based Learning Readiness Assessment Test as a Low-Stakes Weekly Summative Assessment to Promote Spaced and Retrieval-Based Learning. Med.Sci.Educ. 30, 605–608 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40670-019-00826-x

Download citation

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40670-019-00826-x

Keywords

Navigation