Staff from South East Technological University (SETU) and Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) recently visited the University of Manchester’s Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health for a three-day exchange dedicated to Team-Based Learning (TBL).
TBL in action
The visit, organised by Dr Anne Marie O’Brien and Dr Nuala Harding, both TUS, and Dr Gina Noonan, SETU, with support from the National Forum for Teaching and Learning, under the Pathfinder Initiative, gave Deans, Heads of Department and academic leaders a chance to see TBL in action and to explore how it could be woven more firmly into Irish higher education.
TBL encourages students to work together, think critically, and take real ownership of their learning, skills that matter even more in an AI-driven world. A highlight of the trip was the “Meet the Students” Round Table, where seven Manchester students offered honest, funny and insightful reflections on co-creation and active learning. Their experiences showed how TBL builds confidence, problem-solving skills and teamwork, all essential as education continues to evolve.
Rich insight
Reflecting on the visit, Dr Gina Noonan, Head of Centre for Academic Practice at SETU, said. “The visit provided a rich insight into how Team‑Based Learning could be adapted within our own teaching contexts. Collaborative exchanges such as these are essential for strengthening student-centred learning and for enhancing our teaching practices.”
A warm thank you to the Manchester team - including Professor Paul Shore, Lisa Donlan, Professor Michael Smith and Professor Liz Sheader - for hosting. And thanks to all attending colleagues from SETU and TUS, including: Dr Anne Marie O’Brien, Dr Nuala Harding, Dr Carmel Kealey, Dr Maura Clancy, Dr Don Faller, Dr Diarmuid Ó Briain, Dr Tony Mahon, Dr Brendan Dolan, and Dr James Collins (TUS), and Dr Gina Noonan, Dr Caroline McGarry and Dr Claire Lennon (SETU).