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Results of a randomized evaluation of team-based learning exercises

Author

Listed:
  • Carson, Katherine Silz
  • Gonzalez-Ramirez, Jimena
  • Heinicke, Craig
  • Maier, Mark
  • Ruder, Phil
  • Simkins, Scott P.
  • Adams, Hiuko
  • Latham, James “Michael”
  • Malakar, C. Lucy

Abstract

This paper describes the results of a multi-site randomized-controlled evaluation of the effect on student learning of Team-Based Learning (TBL) application exercises vs. traditional exercises in Principles of Microeconomics courses using the TBL pedagogy. The use of random assignment of a site to treatment or control group for each of four study modules combined with student fixed effects enables identification of the treatment effect on student learning while controlling for student characteristics. The results show moderate positive treatment effects of the TBL application exercises.

Suggested Citation

  • Carson, Katherine Silz & Gonzalez-Ramirez, Jimena & Heinicke, Craig & Maier, Mark & Ruder, Phil & Simkins, Scott P. & Adams, Hiuko & Latham, James “Michael” & Malakar, C. Lucy, 2025. "Results of a randomized evaluation of team-based learning exercises," International Review of Economics Education, Elsevier, vol. 49(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ireced:v:49:y:2025:i:c:s1477388025000088
    DOI: 10.1016/j.iree.2025.100316
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Artz, Georgeanne M. & Jacobs, Keri & Boessen, Christian R., 2016. "The Whole is Greater than the Sum: An Empirical Analysis of the Effect of Team Based Learning on Student Achievement," ISU General Staff Papers 3559, Iowa State University, Department of Economics.
    2. Scott P. Simkins & Mark H. Maier & Phil Ruder, 2021. "Team-based learning (TBL): Putting learning sciences research to work in the economics classroom," The Journal of Economic Education, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 52(3), pages 231-240, May.
    3. Carlos J. Asarta & Rebecca G. Chambers & Cynthia Harter, 2021. "Teaching Methods in Undergraduate Introductory Economics Courses: Results From a Sixth National Quinquennial Survey," The American Economist, Sage Publications, vol. 66(1), pages 18-28, March.
    4. Scott Simkins, 2011. "Using Just-in-Time Teaching to Promote Student Learning in Economics," Chapters, in: Gail M. Hoyt & KimMarie McGoldrick (ed.), International Handbook on Teaching and Learning Economics, chapter 9, Edward Elgar Publishing.
    5. Scott Simkins & Mark Maier, 2009. "Using Pedagogical Change to Improve Student Learning in the Economics Major," Chapters, in: David Colander & KimMarie McGoldrick (ed.), Educating Economists, chapter 8, Edward Elgar Publishing.
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    8. Molly Espey, 2022. "Gender and peer evaluations," The Journal of Economic Education, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 53(1), pages 1-10, January.
    9. Marcelo Clerici-Arias, 2021. "Transitioning to a team-based learning principles course," The Journal of Economic Education, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 52(3), pages 249-256, May.
    10. Katherine Silz Carson & Hiuko Adams & Jimena Gonzalez-Ramirez & Craig Heinicke & James Michael Latham & Mark Maier & C. Lucy Malakar & Phil Ruder & Scott P. Simkins, 2021. "Challenges and lessons: Design and implementation of a multi-site evaluation of team-based learning," The Journal of Economic Education, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 52(3), pages 241-248, May.
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    14. Gabriella Cagliesi & Mahkameh Ghanei, 2022. "Team-based learning in economics: Promoting group collaboration, diversity and inclusion," The Journal of Economic Education, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 53(1), pages 11-30, January.
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    16. Phil Ruder & Mark H. Maier & Scott P. Simkins, 2021. "Getting started with team-based learning (TBL): An introduction," The Journal of Economic Education, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 52(3), pages 220-230, May.
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • A20 - General Economics and Teaching - - Economic Education and Teaching of Economics - - - General
    • A22 - General Economics and Teaching - - Economic Education and Teaching of Economics - - - Undergraduate
    • C93 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Field Experiments

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