Curriculum Transformation in Health: Managing Curriculum Refinement after Implementation of Immersive Block Teaching
SSRN, Vol.Series Paper No. 52
Southern Cross University Scholarship of Learning and Teaching Research Paper Series, Elsevier
05/05/2026
1
From 2021–2023, Southern Cross University implemented the Southern Cross Model (SCM), an immersive block approach delivered in 6-week teaching periods, requiring substantial redesign of curriculum, assessment and learning activities. This practice paper reports a Faculty of Health quality improvement cycle that monitored unit performance and systematically refined units after implementation. Using a mixed-methods descriptive case study, three years of unit satisfaction, unit success and GPA data (2019 pre SCM baseline; 2023–2025 SCM delivery) were triangulated with thematic analysis of student feedback mapped to four curriculum reform pillars that guided the Faculty's transformation efforts (curriculum design, assessment alignment, active and engaged learning, and community of inquiry). Unit satisfaction declined in the inaugural SCM year before improving across subsequent years. Student success increased from 82.9% (2019) to above 91% under the SCM, with stable GPA. Early dissatisfaction clustered in content-dense units and " lift-and-shift " transitions, contributing to high cognitive load, unclear learning pathways, variable teaching presence, and assessment overload and misalignment. Refinements associated with improvements included streamlining and signposting essential content, improved site coherence, recalibrating assessment (often reducing assessment), strengthening formative scaffolds, increasing interactive resources and establishing consistent communication. Recommendations for institutions implementing immersive block teaching are to set explicit design and assessment standards, embed rapid-cycle evaluation, manage cognitive load, invest in staff capability, and strengthen student preparation and support for intensive study modes.
- Curriculum Transformation in Health: Managing Curriculum Refinement after Implementation of Immersive Block Teaching
- Fiona Naumann - Southern Cross UniversityKellie Toohey - Southern Cross University
- SSRN, Vol.Series Paper No. 52
- Southern Cross University Scholarship of Learning and Teaching Research Paper Series
- Elsevier
- 991013382151402368
- Human Sciences; Faculty of Health
- English
- Preprint
- Original Research - SoLT