Increasing Student Success across Faculties through an Immersive Block Model: An Australian Case Study of Innovative Teaching and Learning

Abstract

[EN] Globally, higher education (HE) providers are exploring ways to adapt their education delivery approach in light of changing student demographics and shifting learner preferences. This paper presents 2023 results from a whole-of-institution curriculum reform project at a comprehensive, public Australian university, where traditional semesters were replaced with an innovative 6-week immersive block model. The submission describes the model, then assesses the effectiveness of the immersive block model on improving student learning outcomes across five faculties and two colleges, through comparing pre-COVD, traditional model 2019 student performance data with 2023 results from the first full year of implementation. The analysis demonstrates increased: pass rates (70.6% to 88.1%); and, Grade Point Averages (3.72 to 4.60). Implications for practice at HE institutions considering curriculum reform are discussed.