Table 1.
Comparison between distinctive features of case-based learning (CBL), problem-based learning (PBL), and team-based learning (TBL) as used at 2 new US medical schools
| PBL | CBL | TBL | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student groups |
Case presentation: all groups in the same large classroom. Second day: small teams (8 students) with facilitators in separate small rooms |
Always small teams (8 students) with facilitator(s) in separate small rooms | Small teams (5–7 students): all teams are in the same large classroom with one facilitator |
| Sessions per week | Two | Three | One |
| Prework | No | Yes. Students receive a clinical case and do independent research prior to the initial session and after each session during the week | Yes. Mandatory prework assigned before the session |
| Grading of prework | N/A |
5-point Likert scale Narrative feedback |
Multiple-choice (RAT) at the beginning of the session |
| Learning objectives | Students identify issues for independent learning after initial clinical case presentation with the help of a content expert at the beginning of the week | Developed by content expert faculty prior to the sessions | Developed by content expert faculty prior to the session |
| Use of external resources for problem solving | Yes | Yes |
None for RAT Yes for application questions |
| Discussion | Students discuss content researched by them after initial case presentation | Students discuss content researched by them after reading the first release of the clinical case and additional releases throughout the week | Students discuss and negotiate a multiple-choice option to each question in their teams and defend their choice in intra-teams discussions |
| Facilitators’ role | Guides the discussion in small groups based on their expertise | Guides the discussion towards the learning objectives using open-ended questions |
No role during the iRAT/tRAT intra-team discussions Facilitator is a content expert and guides inter-teams discussions |
| External incentives (overall assessment) | Likert scale and narrative feedback based on preparation, participation, teamwork, and justification of concepts | Likert scale and narrative feedback based on preparation, participation, teamwork, and completion of learning objectives |
RAT is graded (33% iRAT/67% tRAT) Application questions are not graded |