The Effect of team-based learning on study skill course of Nutrition Students of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences

Background: Team-based learning is a recent education strategy which is taken in to consideration by medical education associations. In populated centers and high educational levels, this method lets a teacher manage the class in the form of small groups. Different studies have classified the advantages of this method as increasing the involvement of students in class, becoming able to communicate with classmates, increasing the students’ scores, and needing less instructors. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of team-based learning on study skills course of Nutrition students of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. Methods: The sample of the study was 36 first year nutrition students. In the preparation stage, students studied the assigned lessons before the class, in the second stage first individually and then in groups filled in the questionnaire about the discussed issues in the class. The third stage which included presenting short topics by the team leader and having group discussions only was performed in some sessions. Finally the satisfaction evaluation form which validity and reliability was confirmed was distributed among the students. Results: In both groups of the study a meaningful difference was observed in answering the questions individually and in groups and the average of score of the students after the group work was higher (P 0.05). The students were more pleased using this method. Conclusions: It seems that team-based learning methodology can be used as a more effective method for approaching the student-based educational goals among medical science students. Keywords: team-based learning, Medical science student