Book Review
“Team-Based Learning: A Transformative Use of Small Groups in College Teaching” by Larry K Michaelson, Arletta Bauman Knight, and L. Dee Fink (eds.)
Review by Jerry DiMaria, Human Resources, Central Michigan University

Being a committed devotee of experiential education, Team-Based Learning: A Transformative Use of Small Groups in College Teaching,held the promise of utilizing group projects and teamwork to increase engagement in the classroom.  Specifically, the authors focus on some of the pitfalls to traditional methods of utilizing group work, and how to leverage these learning clusters to maximize student engagement, understanding, and knowledge retention. 

This book is divided into three key sections.  In the first 4 chapters the authors delve into the theory behind group learning.  Fink discusses the various ways in which groups are sometimes utilized in the classroom and the benefits and problems relating to such varied aspects as group size, usage, time allocation, and grading.  In chapter two, Michaelson elaborates on various methods of assessing a group and the importance of immediate feedback and peer evaluation.  The third chapter is dedicated to defining what constitutes effective assignments within the group learning context.  The fourth chapter acts as an effective summary of the section, revisiting such aspects as engaging all members of the group, and what the instructor can do in relation to task construction that will encourage group self-management. 

The second section of the book is devoted to the actual practice of team-based learning in a variety of settings.  This includes the ways group interaction can be utilized across multiple disciplines, with diverse student constituencies, in and out of class, and independent of class size.  Numerous authors weigh in with their experiences as they have applied team learning to their unique situations. 

The third and final section consists of one chapter by Knight on the major objections that many professors raise to utilizing team-based learning in the classroom, and how each of these obstacles can be overcome through careful task construction and the assembly of the groups.  While not explicitly contained in section three, Appendix A is of great benefit to the reader.   This post-text consists of frequently asked questions with regards to team-based learning, and how to work within various contexts and frameworks to construct a meaningful and lasting learning experience for the students. 

Overall, this text is a well written handbook on how to utilize team-based learning in the typical classroom.  One point of criticism would be that many of the chapters reiterate information in preceding chapters; however, repetition aids learning.  Perhaps the best recommendation one can provide for a book of this type is that I found myself making marginal notes as I read on how to improve group work within my classroom.

Title:  Team-Based Learning: A Transformative Use of Small Groups in College Teaching
Authors:  Michaelsen, L.K., Knight, A.B., & Fink, L.D. (eds.)
Price:  $24.95 (paperback)
Publisher:  Stylus
Year:  2004
Pages:  304

ISBN:  1-57922-086-X