An Assessment of Self-Selected versus Instructor-Assigned Teams in an Introductory Tourism Course

ABSTRACT The purposes of this team-based learning classroom venture were to (1) assess students' attitudes toward and satisfaction with team-based learning; (2) compare students' attitudes between self-selected and instructor-assigned teams; and (3) make suggestions for team-based learning in future classes. Attitudes of students in self-selected teams were generally similar to those in the instructor-assigned teams at the end of the semester, although those who were in the instructor-assigned teams were initially more apprehensive toward the teamwork concept. The students' overall positive attitudes and the benefits of team-based learning warrant the use of teams to enhance the classroom experience.