Preprint
An exploratory study of student satisfaction in the Southern Cross Model
SSRN Electronic Journal, Vol.Series Paper No. 7
Southern Cross University Scholarship of Learning and Teaching Research Paper Series, Elsevier
03/03/2023
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Abstract
Immersive or block learning is a non-traditional way of delivering higher education (HE) whereby students learn over shorter teaching periods and with fewer concurrent units than in typical semester or trimester models. A core aim of many such innovations is to provide students with a more engaging and successful learning experience; however, how students perceive immersive models requires further investigation. This paper reports on an exploratory study of results from an institution-wide student feedback survey instrument administered at an Australian public university that has introduced a 6-week immersive model across its unit offerings. Two strands of analysis were undertaken. Strand 1 (N = 4,157) compares satisfaction ratings across units delivered in the pilot year of the immersive model in 2021 with ratings from the traditional trimester model in 2019. Strand 2 (N = 1,925) explores the relative strengths of correlations between individual survey items and overall unit and overall teaching satisfaction in the immersive model. The research found that, overall, five of seven unit satisfaction indicators and all six teaching indicators improved to a statistically significant degree in the immersive model. Student perceptions of workload appeared to be most susceptible to negative change. Yet the correlation between workload and overall unit satisfaction was relatively weak compared to other unit indicators, suggesting that students have some tolerance for reduced satisfaction with workload. Meanwhile, the data suggest that students’ overall satisfaction with their units appears most strongly tied to their satisfaction with teaching. In turn, overall satisfaction with teaching appears most strongly associated with academics presenting content in a clear manner while showing concern for students’ learning.
Details
- Title
- An exploratory study of student satisfaction in the Southern Cross Model
- Creators
- Elizabeth Goode - Southern Cross UniversityThomas Roche - Southern Cross UniversityErica Wilson - Southern Cross UniversityJohn McKenzie - Southern Cross University
- Publication Details
- SSRN Electronic Journal, Vol.Series Paper No. 7
- Series
- Southern Cross University Scholarship of Learning and Teaching Research Paper Series
- Publisher
- Elsevier
- Number of pages
- 35
- Identifiers
- 991013118312902368
- Academic Unit
- Faculty of Business, Law and Arts; Office of the PVC (Academic Innovation); Office of the PVC (Academic Quality)
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Preprint
- Local Fields
- Original Research - SoLT