Preprint
Changing Preferences, Better Outcomes: The Case for Immersive Block Models in Higher Education
SSRN Electronic Journal, Vol.Series Paper No.25
Southern Cross University Scholarship of Learning and Teaching Research Paper Series, Elsevier
30/04/2025
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Abstract
Recent socioeconomic shifts, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, have affected higher education (HE) students. Students increasingly have substantial work and caring responsibilities, and many cannot regularly attend on campus. These factors have led to a changing of learning preferences, in relation to both 'mode' (of study) and 'load' (amount of study). Immersive block models, which engage students in fewer concurrent units of study over shorter timeframes than traditional semesters, may better support success. In this case study, we investigate how a six-week, two-unit-at-a-time immersive block model has affected the academic success and satisfaction of on-campus, online, full-time and part-time students over four years at an Australian university. Results reveal significant success rate improvements for students in immersive blocks, particularly for those enrolled online and part-time, alongside stable positive satisfaction rates. We posit that these results reflect the benefits of greater focus, shorter time frames, and a guided, (inter)active pedagogy for online learning. The findings have important implications for equity in HE, suggesting that more focused, guided, and active learning opportunities can significantly enhance success for students studying part-time and online.
Details
- Title
- Changing Preferences, Better Outcomes: The Case for Immersive Block Models in Higher Education
- Creators
- Erica Wilson (Author) - Southern Cross University, Faculty of Business, Law and ArtsThomas Roche (Author) - Southern Cross University, Office of the PVC (Academic Quality)Elizabeth Goode (Author) - Southern Cross University, Office of the PVC (Academic Quality)
- Publication Details
- SSRN Electronic Journal, Vol.Series Paper No.25
- Series
- Southern Cross University Scholarship of Learning and Teaching Research Paper Series
- Publisher
- Elsevier
- Identifiers
- 991013284547802368
- Academic Unit
- Office of the PVC (Academic Quality)
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Preprint
- Local Fields
- Original Research - SoLT