Learner-centered, team-based learning experience in college liberal arts classes

Abstract

Objectives The purposes of this study were to explores the experiences that learners who participate in team-based learning experience during the learning process, examines the learners' experiences in team-based learning in a contextual setting through a qualitative approach, and seeks educational reflection and implications. Methods For this purpose, this study was conducted on 94 college students who participated in liberal arts classes. To achieve the purpose of the study, first, team-based learning was designed by selecting a ‘pedagogy-based lib-eral arts’ subject. Second, after analyzing the content covered in the selected subject, the instructor's lecture on the learning topic was conducted in advance in the first half of each lesson, and students studied individually through lectures on the learning topic. After watching various learning materials related to the learning topic, team-based learning related to the learning content was applied. Third, we analyzed individual and team activity sheets, study notes for each session, and reflection logs written by learners before and after learning. The response sheets used in the analysis were all qualitative data collected through classes, and were analyzed through the inter-action of categorization, coding, structuring, and interpretation during the data analysis process. Results In terms of learning motivation from the results of this study, first, the motivation for taking the course was participation due to obligation, accidental choice, and unclear expectations due to the nature of liberal arts subjects, and second, the topic and content of learning were based on their own real-life usefulness and career-related topics. Third, actively apply the cognitive information acquired through participation in learning to solve life problems. Fourth, setting learning goals shows educationally important information and context for converting extrinsic motivation into intrinsic motivation. In terms of cognition, learners showed the highest cognitive factors in motivation to take the course, personal learning goals, and learner needs. In terms of interaction, in the process of participating in team-based learning, learners placed first, the attitude of participants, including communication, participation, and courtesy among team members, as the most important, and second, they meaningfully experienced positive experi-ences and emotional support. In terms of teaching and learning, positive experiences such as self-expression, dis-cussion and presentation, initiative, and overcoming presentation anxiety were recognized through participation in team learning. On the other hand, negative aspects could act as a hindrance to positive interactions between team members. In particular, to overcome these obstacles in the early stages of learning, multifaceted efforts were need-ed, such as clear motivation, setting learning goals, setting learning content that suits the learner's needs and inter-ests, emotional support from the instructor, effective learning support materials, and evaluation plans. Conclusions Through this study, it can be seen that, due to the nature of the learning process in team-based classes where learners' interaction is the center, more active and interactive communication and voluntary and proactive participation are required than previous learning experiences.To achieve this, active and flexible re-sponses will be needed to improve the anxiety and dissatisfaction that learners may feel. Through this, the charac-teristics and diversity of individual learners can be mutually recognized and accepted at the beginning of learning, the strengths of team-based learning of emotional support and consideration through interaction between team members can be effectively demonstrated, and learners' expectations and demands for participation in learning can be improved.