Using Aquifer Content in Team-Based Learning

A typical TBL structure begins with individual preparation, followed by team-based readiness assurance and application exercises that promote accountability and shared decision-making. Learners first review the material independently, then work in teams to confirm understanding and apply concepts while defending their reasoning. The instructor facilitates this process by clarifying misconceptions, deepening clinical connections, and guiding reflective discussion.

Using cases from Signature Content and Clinical Excellence enhances each phase of the TBL process. For example, incorporate an Internal Medicine case focused on diagnostic reasoning. Teams work through the case’s history, differential diagnosis, and management plan, comparing perspectives and justifying decisions before coming together for an instructor-facilitated discussion. This approach reinforces clinical reasoning while helping learners appreciate diverse viewpoints.

Suggestions for Implementation

1. Individual Pre-Class Preparation: Assign a case from Aquifer's Signature Content or Clinical Excellence case sets for pre-work. Ensure students arrive having completed the case and recorded their notes or reflections using the Case Analysis Tool.

    

2. Individual Readiness Assurance: Begin the session with a short team quiz based on the assigned case. 

    

3. Team Readiness Assurance: Groups of 6-7 learners then retake this quiz and submit their consensus answers for immediate scoring and posting. Encourage teams to reconcile differences and reach consensus.

    

4. Application Exercises: Present a secondary case or case extension. Have teams analyze the scenario, identify key problems, propose diagnostics or treatments, and explain their reasoning.

    

5. Class Discussion: Bring teams together to compare approaches. Use instructor-guided debriefing to reinforce learning objectives and highlight best practices.

    

6. Reflection: Ask teams or individuals to reflect on how insights from the case apply to future clinical encounters.
   
   

Keys to Success

Provide students with a brief orientation to case structure, clearly communicate expectations, and select cases aligned with your course objectives. Allow ample time for team discussion, as peer-to-peer explanation is central to TBL’s impact. Because the Signature Courses and Clinical Excellence Case Sets span multiple disciplines and complexity levels, they can be adapted for early learners or advanced students.

Integrating Aquifer content into TBL transforms learning into an active, collaborative experience that strengthens reasoning skills, deepens engagement, and supports meaningful clinical preparation.