A Survey of Student Perceptions of Team-Based Learning : Assessment of Pakistan and UK Students

Team-based learning (TBL) is an effective way of incorporating interactive small group peer teaching and enthusiasm for learning. The objective of this study is to evaluated student perceptions of team based learning by using a survey that elicited perceptions of different modes of learning between UK and Pakistani students. Overall 733 students were selected on the basis of quota sampling between two countries. Student preferences of teamwork were measured with 15 items scale. These were self administered questionnaire asking for responses on a five point Likert scale. Structural equation model (SEM) was applied on the obtained data set to find the difference between the preferences of English and Pakistani students regarding teamwork. Both groups had a common definition of teams and agreed on the value of teams with regard to satisfaction and productivity. The result shows that there exists difference in student preferences of teamwork. Students of both the cultures show positive response that teams are effective way to learn the management courses and increase their productivity and working in a team improve their ability to learn new things. However, Pakistani students showed more preference for teamwork as compared to UK students. Their attitudes diverged, however, with regard to the presence of slackers on the team. Possible reasons for the similarities and divergence are discussed