After discussing Block delivery with Leanne de Main, PVC for Education at De Montfort University I have collated some top tips for anyone considering implementing it themselves.
DMU have tranisitoned into nearly all programmes at UG/PG being delivered through the block method. They've seen an overwhelmingly positive response from students in terms of their happiness and their retention. It remains to be seen what the long-term effects of block delivery are, but if you're considering intorducing something to your own teaching then it is worth reflecting on these points
Block Thinking: Unlocking Deeper Understanding
At the heart of block teaching lies the concept of "block thinking," where each block contains multiple interconnected concepts. Leanne emphasized that this approach goes beyond mere content delivery, fostering critical thinking skills and holistic understanding among students. For academics considering implementing block delivery, Leanne advises:
Focus on Cohesion: Design blocks that integrate related concepts to promote deeper understanding and connections.
Encourage Active Learning: Incorporate interactive activities and discussions to engage students and enhance learning outcomes.
Embrace Flexibility: Allow room for flexibility in block design to accommodate diverse learning styles and student needs.
Spiral Curriculum: Building Mastery Over Time
One key takeaway from our conversation was the idea of a spiral curriculum, wherein foundational knowledge is revisited and deepened over time. Leanne highlighted the importance of continuity and progression in curriculum design, enabling students to build upon their learning journey incrementally. For academics considering spiral curriculum, Leanne recommends:
Plan for Progression: Design curriculum with a long-term view, ensuring that foundational concepts are revisited and expanded upon in subsequent blocks.
Provide Scaffolded Learning: Offer support and scaffolding to help students navigate complex concepts and build mastery over time.
Encourage Reflection: Incorporate opportunities for reflection and self-assessment to reinforce learning and promote metacognitive skills.
Flexibility and Adaptability: Meeting Diverse Student Needs
Flexibility emerged as a crucial aspect of block teaching, allowing institutions to accommodate students joining at different points in the program. Leanne highlighted the need for tailored approaches based on subject areas and levels of study, ensuring that curriculum design remains responsive to evolving student needs. For academics considering flexible delivery models, Leanne suggests:
Align with Student Needs: Identify the specific needs and preferences of your student cohort to tailor block delivery accordingly.
Provide Support Structures: Offer resources and support systems to help students transition seamlessly between blocks and adapt to new learning environments.
Foster Collaboration: Encourage collaboration and peer learning opportunities within and across blocks to enhance student engagement and success.
Assessment Design: Fostering Meaningful Learning Outcomes
Assessment design played a pivotal role in our discussion, with Leanne emphasizing the importance of innovative and meaningful assessments. By aligning assessments with real-world scenarios and competencies, educators can better prepare students for the challenges they will face beyond the classroom. For academics considering innovative assessment approaches, Leanne offers the following advice:
Focus on Authenticity: Design assessments that mirror real-world challenges and tasks to enhance relevance and applicability.
Promote Skills Development: Emphasize the development of critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills through assessment tasks.
Offer Feedback Opportunities: Provide timely and constructive feedback to students to support their learning and growth throughout the block.
Embracing Failure: Cultivating Resilience and Adaptability
A notable aspect of our conversation was the emphasis on embracing failure as a catalyst for growth and learning. Leanne highlighted the importance of preparing students for uncertainty and equipping them with the resilience to navigate challenges effectively. For academics seeking to foster a culture of resilience and adaptability, Leanne recommends:
Promote Growth Mindset: Encourage a growth mindset among students, emphasizing the value of learning from mistakes and setbacks.
Model Resilience: Lead by example and demonstrate resilience in the face of challenges, showing students that failure is a natural part of the learning process.
Provide Supportive Environment: Create a supportive and inclusive learning environment where students feel empowered to take risks and learn from their experiences.
Preliminary Findings: Positive Outcomes and Collaborative Endeavors
Preliminary findings from the evaluation of block teaching at De Montfort University suggest positive outcomes in terms of retention, progression, and student satisfaction. Leanne's collaborative efforts with other institutions underscored the shared commitment to advancing pedagogical practices and enhancing student learning experiences. For academics embarking on similar initiatives, Leanne offers the following advice:
Start Small: Begin with pilot projects or smaller-scale implementations to test the feasibility and effectiveness of block delivery.
Seek Feedback: Solicit feedback from students, colleagues, and stakeholders to gather insights and identify areas for improvement.
Embrace Collaboration: Collaborate with peers and other institutions to share resources, expertise, and best practices in block teaching.
WWhenver considering introducing new formats of teaching it can feel a little overwhelming to begin with. Block teaching has been tried by a number of instituions but it is worht remembering that this isn't a surface-level change. You need the time and space to think about and design your courses from the ground up.
The effort appears to be well worth it though, so block delivery may just be becoming a bit more mainstream than ever before!
Comments