AMEE Medical Education Guide No. 7.: Task-based learning: An educational strategy for undergraduat postgraduate and continuing medical education, Part 1

Task-based learning (TBL) is an educationally sound, effective and efficient strategy for delivering relevant education. In TBL, the tasks of the healthcare professional provide the context and the focus for learning-but are not the objective of the student's learning. Students gain a basic understanding of the principles of health and disease, and of how to apply these in a range of contexts. Within the specific context of healthcare, students develop generic competences, such as communication and management skills. TBL ensures that learning objectives are achieved, while taking advantage of the rich opportunities and experiences to which a student or doctor can be exposed in a real or simulated clinical setting.