Discover how Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine (OUWB) streamlined their Team-based Learning (TBL) classes for first and second year medical students by implementing InteDashboard, an all-in-one TBL platform. By leveraging a comprehensive platform that provides a centralized location for all TBL modules, tracks real-time student progress, and provides enhanced data-driven insights, OUWB was able to improve student learning outcomes.
About Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine
Founded in 2008, the Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine is the allopathic medical school for Oakland University, located in Michigan. OUWB is accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) and welcomes 125 new medical students to the campus every August, with a total enrollment of nearly 500 students.
Streamlining Team-based Learning classes
Prior to Covid-19 pandemic, Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine delivered all TBLs in person using hard copies of RAT questions and application questions, scantrons and Immediate Feedback Assessment Technique (IF-AT) cards. When the pandemic hit, instructors sought an alternative to implement the TBLs virtually. They used websites and learning management systems. However, the process was time-consuming, prompting them to seek a platform that could streamline their Team-based Learning (TBL) classes. OUWB implemented InteDashboard to ease the process and to enable instructors to conduct all TBL modules in a single place.
"It was very, very easy for us. When comparing what we did before, such as using WebEx, Qualtrics, Moodle and others, with what we have now with InteDashboard - it has been really easy for coordinators, instructors and oversight TBL team. Everything is available on one platform," said Dr. Suzan Kamel-ElSayed, Associate Professor in the Department of Foundational Medical Studies.
Team-based Learning in Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine
OUWB integrated Team-based Learning into the preclinical curriculum for medical students in 2012. The TBL class size was initially 50 students, which progressively increased to 125 students over the years. The first and second year medical students participate in 32 TBL sessions annually, with each session lasting two hours.
Prior to each TBL session, students receive prework materials one week in advance. Instructors determine the number of questions for the RATs (individual and team quiz), which typically include five questions. In the first year (M1), students are given 90 seconds to answer each question. However, some students may request additional time to grasp the concepts. By the second year (M2), the allotted time per question is reduced to 70 seconds as the time allotted per each question in the board exams. After the IRAT and TRAT, students engage in application case activities that require them to apply foundational knowledge to real-world situations.
OUWB prioritizes diversity and inclusivity in team formation by gathering non-confidential information about students' gender, experiences, backgrounds, and other relevant factors, and then using a free software to randomize them into teams.
OUWB provides various types of accommodations for students with special needs, such as:
Providing 100% additional time (double time) for each test
Providing 50% additional time for each test
Allowing students to take the test in a private and silent setting
OUWB utilizes InteDashboard to facilitate these accommodations by allowing easy duplication of courses, making necessary time adjustments, and adding a code to these special courses for easy identification and organizational purposes (see images below for examples).
InteDashboard allows instructors to extend or deduct the time on the IRAT, TRAT, and Application Case activities.
InteDashboard allows instructors to add a code to each course, allowing for easy identification and organization of the variations in settings used to support students with accommodation needs.
Team-based Learning with InteDashboard
InteDashboard has made a significant impact on OUWB’s preclinical curriculum for medical students through the platform’s features:
Automated grading: Instructors can view student and team performance data holistically for all team-based learning activities in one place. All team-based activities are auto-graded upon submission.
Real-time dashboard: InteDashboard provides real-time feedback on student performance, enabling instructors to easily identify and address students' trouble spots.
Seamless integration with LMS: InteDashboard allows easy integration with their existing learning management system, Moodle, using Learning Tools Interoperability (LTI) integration.
Overall, InteDashboard has helped Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine streamline their TBL classes and enhance student learning outcomes by providing a single platform for all TBL activities. If you are keen to learn more about implementing InteDashboard for your TBL classes, feel free to book a one-on-one consultation with us here.