Introduction: Team-based learning is one of the active
learning approaches in which independent learning is combined with small group discussion
in the class. This study aimed to determine the impact of team-based learning in nervous
system examination knowledge of nursing students.
Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted on
3rd grade nursing students, including 5th semester (intervention group) and
6th semester (control group). The traditional lecture method and the
team-based learning method were used for educating the examination of the nervous system
for intervention and control groups, respectively. The data were collected by a test
covering 40-questions (multiple choice, matching, gap-filling and descriptive questions)
before and after intervention in both groups. Individual Readiness Assurance Test (RAT)
and Group Readiness Assurance Test (GRAT) used to collect data in the intervention group.
In the end, the collected data were analyzed by SPSS ver. 13 using descriptive and
inferential statistical tests.
Results: In team-based learning group, mean and standard
deviation was 13.39 (4.52) before the intervention, which had been increased to 31.07
(3.20) after the intervention and this increase was statistically significant. Also, there
was a statistically significant difference between the scores of RAT and GRAT in
team-based learning group.
Conclusion: Using team-based learning approach resulted in
much better improvement and stability in the nervous system examination knowledge of
nursing students compared to traditional lecture method; therefore, this method could be
efficiently used as an effective educational approach in nursing education.