Finding the Right Tempo : Using Music to Enhance Team-Based Learning

This working paper proposes the use of musical selections to enhance team-based learning (TBL) activities in economics education. The author provides pre-designed lessons and templates that match the Voluntary National Content Standards in Economics and are appropriate for upper-primary and secondary institutions. The approach builds on the importance of TBL in the economics classroom and employs popular culture themes to make economics education relevant to modern students. The combination of music applications, TBL experiences, and pre-designed lesson templates is innovative and extends economics education literature. Research outlines the four major events that must be included in TBL course design: group work, self- and peer-review, timely and frequent feedback, and real-world application design (Michaelsen & Sweet, 2008). The foundations of Michaelsen and Sweet (2008) led the approach of the work, with an example of building a group environment that can be facilitated by the instructor and a model for peer-review. The paper concludes by emphasizing the importance of teacher commitment to the TBL process for success with relevant age-appropriate material