Applying active learning in pharmaceutical studies by the way of team-based learning

Currently, the most used pedagogical approach in pharmaceutical studies is transmissive teaching, in which students usually adopt a passive attitude. The aim of this article is to present the main characteristics of active learning, and to point how it can be integrated in pharmaceutical studies by the way of team-based learning. According to its different characteristics, team-based learning is an authentic method of active learning. This pedagogical method includes a preparation time, usually individually performed, and followed by the group work itself, in which the case method is the most frequently used. Team-based learning also allows students to work in interdisciplinarity and facilitates interactions between peers. The wide majority of the studies demonstrate that students acclaim this pedagogical approach as compared to more conventional teaching methods, and that their satisfaction increases their commitment in the tasks proposed in the course. Even though the results of studies concerning the impact of team-based learning on student retention and scores in tests are somewhat discordant, this pedagogical approach allows the acquisition or the reinforcement of skills that will be useful to students in their future professional life, like collaborative work and confidence in their ability to complete a task. (C) 2020 Academie Nationale de Pharmacie. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Through team-based learning, students in pharmaceutical studies can enhance their active learning abilities and strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration and peer interaction. The majority of students are satisfied with this learning method, which promotes the completion of course tasks.