TBL Fundamentals Series - January 2026

About this event

The Team-Based Learning Fundamentals Series is a comprehensive introduction to team-based learning (TBL). The program is meant for educators who are either new to TBL or who want to focus on fundamental TBL techniques and apply them to their own teaching and curriculum. Upon successful completion of these five workshop series, participants will receive the Knowledge of the Fundamentals of TBL Certificate from the Team-Based Learning Collaborative (TBLC).

What is TBL?

Team-Based Learning is an evidence-based collaborative learning teaching strategy designed around units of instruction that are taught in a three-step cycle: preparation, in-class readiness assurance testing, and application-focused exercise. More details about what is TBL can be found here.

What are the workshops included in the series?

1. Fundamental Principles and Practices of TBL

2. Evaluating MCQs for Readiness Assurance Tests and Application Activities

3. Peer Evaluation and Team Development

4. Improving Facilitation Skills for TBL

5. Creating an Effective TBL Module

Workshop Format

All five workshops will be delivered using TBL format, in an online synchronous modality using InteDashboard and Zoom video conferencing tool. All workshops will be three hours in duration. Participants will receive short readings and assignments to complete before each workshop.

Audience

This series is designed for TBL educators that are exploring TBL for the first time or seeking professional development in the fundamental areas of TBL implementation. Experienced TBL educators may benefit from learning TBL in an online modality with participants from around the world.

Facilitators

Workshops will be facilitated by members of the TBLC with TBLC Trainer-Consultant level of certification.

Schedule:

1. Fundamental Principles and Practices of TBL: Jan 13, Tuesday

2. Evaluating MCQs for RATs and Application Activities: Jan 15, Thursday

3. Peer Evaluation and Team Development: Jan 20, Tuesday

4. Improving Facilitation Skills for TBL: Jan 22, Thursday

5. Creating an Effective TBL Module: Jan 27, Tuesday

Time:

US (Pacific) : 6 a.m. - 9 a.m.

US (Central) : 8 a.m. - 11 a.m.

US (East Coast): 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Singapore : 10 p.m. - 1 a.m.

Sydney : 1 a.m. - 4 a.m. (Note: For Sydney, sessions will fall on the following day — Jan 14, 15, 21, 23, and 27)

Learning Objectives

Fundamental Principles and Practices of TBL

1. Describe the essential elements of TBL

2. Explain clearly and concisely how and why TBL works

3. Evaluate the benefits of using TBL

Evaluating Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) for Readiness Assurance Tests (RATs) and Application Activities

1. Compare and contrast MCQs for RATs, exams, and applications

2. Link MCQs to session learning outcomes

3. Identify common errors and barriers to writing effective MCQ questions

Peer Evaluation and Team Development

1. Identify characteristics of high and low-performing teams

2. Compare and contrast systems and strategies for facilitating team growth

3. Apply strategies to empower teams to self-manage performance through peer feedback and evaluation

4. Identify common errors and barriers to successful teamwork and peer evaluation

Improving Facilitation Skills for TBL

1. Justify the importance of learner motivation, participation, and a positive learning environment

2. Compare and contrast facilitation roles and methods

3. Analyze the key characteristics of effective facilitators

4. Identify common errors and barriers to successful TBL facilitation

Creating an Effective TBL Module

1. Apply backward design methodology to plan a TBL module

2. Construct application exercises that adhere to the 4S framework

3. Design readiness materials that motivate self-directed learning

4. Convert non-TBL course material into TBL format

5. Identify common errors and barriers during TBL module development