USING TEAM BASED LEARNING TECHNIQUES IN A GENERAL EDUCATION EARTH HISTORY CLASS

Historically, Team Based Learning has not been commonly used when teaching science because those teachers are generally skeptical of its applicability to their subjects. Studies show that when using Team Based Learning, teachers are not only able to cover just as much subject matter as in a traditionally taught class, but the students also understand and retain much more material than in a traditional classroom. Earth History, taught as a freshman/general education course, is being taught at the University of South Alabama using Team Based Learning techniques as part of a pilot study to enhance student learning. Methods and class projects used in this course are discussed, and grade results from this pilot class are presented and compared to grades from Earth History classes that were traditionally taught. Data from student surveys are also presented regarding student comprehension, involvement and enjoyment of this type of instruction.