Flop to Flip: Integrating Technology and Team-Based Learning to Improve Student Engagement

Purpose: The first attempt to develop and instruct a new course in evidence-based practice in a physical therapy curriculum proved problematic. The purpose of this paper is to describe the method of revising this traditionally taught course using a combination of flipping the classroom, team-based learning, and technology. Methods: Working with an Instructional Design Specialist, a weekly online preparatory module was created for each content topic using a variety of multimedia learning provisions including micro learning videos (PowerPoint with voiceover), transcript of the PowerPoint, a list of vocabulary words, reading, Quizlet, Flipgrids and Concept Checks. Each week’s module was introduced with a listing of objectives, goals, time to complete tasks and a description of the in-class activities. Class began with a weekly 10-question vocabulary quiz to hold students accountable for their preparation. A short summary lecture followed. Students were then given an in-class assignment to complete either in pairs or small groups. Discussion of the assignment completed the session. Most of the assignments were submitted electronically prior to discussion for grading purposes. Several also utilized a team-based learning format. Pairs of students complete an assignment; students then convene with their group and discuss and complete the same assignment. This process facilitates a more active learning environment. Result: Students were consistently prepared for class as evidenced by their quiz performance. Informal assessment of the online preparatory modules was performed using a “One-Minute Paper” assessment. Students reported that the PowerPoint with voiceover, Quizlet, Concept Checks, and the weekly list of vocabulary terms were most helpful, whereas Flipgrids and reading were not helpful. In-class activities were interactive and facilitated deeper conversations about the content. Conclusion and Recommendations: The outcomes provided reflect student perception solely, which may have been biased by the instructor’s presence in the course. Formal assessment of changes was not possible using student performance as a measure because the course had dramatically changed from year one to year two. A more formal, scientific assessment is recommended to determine if and how course changes affected student performance