Impact of Team Formation Method on Student Team Performance Across Multiple Courses Incorporating Team-based Learning

Objective. To assess the impact of forming student learning teams based on problem solving styles on team performance and student perceptions of team quality. Methods. This was a prospective observational study involving students in the first year of a Doctor of Pharmacy degree program. Collaborative learning teams (balanced, implementer, optimizer, and random assignment) were created based on students’ results on the Basadur Creative Problem Solving Profile Inventory. The teams remained in place across all courses for the first academic year, and those courses that incorporated team-based learning (TBL) were included in the study. Team performance was assessed by administering team readiness assurance tests. The quality of team interactions was assessed using the team satisfaction domain in the Comprehensive Assessment of Team Member Effectiveness (CATME) Smarter Teamwork system and the Team Performance Scale. Results. Each of the 237 first-year pharmacy students enrolled was assigned to one of 41 teams. All teams participated in the study. A significant difference in team performance was observed in the Principles of Patient Centered Care course but not in any of the other courses. No significant differences were found in quality of team interactions. Conclusion. Neither team performance, nor team satisfaction, nor quality of team interactions was impacted by the method of team formation that was used. Given the existing evidence and the results of this study, team formation process, regardless of method used, may have negligible influence on the performance of collaborative learning teams in courses taught using TBL.