Where: Ridley 2, Seminar Room 1.57

Dr Alan Green, Sunderland University

The Sunderland pharmacy degree had not used the team based learning (TBL) approach prior to the 2014-2015 academic year. The degree is mainly taught by lectures, seminars, problem based learning, simulation, laboratory and placement activities. Following the 2014 TBL conference in Bradford we were keen to trial using TBL. A small number of sessions were developed (5 x 2hours) for the 1st and 2nd year students. It was important to ensure that other academics supported the teaching style and that from a student’s perspective they gained from the experience.

The initial response to the TBL style from the students measured by a ratified TBL questionnaire was positive and provides a good basis to introduce more TBL into the programme in the future. Informally, academic feedback overall was positive. There are a number of practical and logistical issues relating to the running of sessions, which we have improved upon throughout the 1st year of delivery. TBL will be of great benefit to the students as they are actively taking part and applying their knowledge to different tasks and scenarios.