Pharmacy students and faculty perceptions of online team-based learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Aim: This survey study aimed to describe student and faculty experiences and perceptions regarding the sudden shift to delivery of online team-based learning (TBL) due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: Data such as perception of engagement and effectiveness of online TBL, challenges and recommendations for improving the online TBL experience were collected. Results: Eighteen (58.1%) faculty and 154 (75.9%) students completed the survey. Most students did not feel more engaged with their teammates or instructors using the online format and only one faculty member responded he/she felt more engaged with students via the online TBL format. Forty-one (26.7%) students responded they felt the online TBL improves knowledge retention, while no faculty responded they felt online TBL improved students’ knowledge retention. The top challenges described include lack of student engagement and technological difficulties. Conclusion: This study showed that a lack of training and preparation for the sudden online TBL transition led to decreased student motivation and engagement.