In 2017 Victoria University (VU) embarked upon a major project that would see the introduction in 2018 of a new curriculum delivery mode for all of its first-year units. In a given semester, the "First Year Model" involves 4 units (subjects) being taught sequentially within intensive, 4-week blocks, as distinct from the more traditional model where the units are taught concurrently over a 12-week semester. The delivery mode is repeated in a second semester for a further 4 units. Block-mode delivery has been successfully implemented by several universities around the world including USA, Canada and Scandinavia. Interest in this mode is growing internationally mainly due to the advantages it offers to student learning. The undertaking of first-year block-mode delivery at VU is a first of its kind in Australia. The scope of its implementation is noteworthy in the global sense especially with regard to the inclusion of STEM disciplines. The scale of the project is enormous by world standards with over 4,500 first-year students at VU undertaking block-mode units across all discipline areas this year.<br/><br/>The process used at VU to design block mode units within overarching and specific design principles that are student-centred will be presented with an emphasis on how the design process has been implemented in the case of the first-year chemistry program. These design principles adhere to university policies, are aligned and informed by evidence-based teaching, learning and assessment principles and outcomes, and foster a team-based approach wherever possible. The presentation includes: an overview of the block-mode model, its advantages and challenges, design team composition, consideration of unit learning objectives in the light of block-mode delivery, contributions of library staff and technology-enhanced learning designers, use of blended learning and the integration of unit content with the learning management system, assessment considerations, rubric design and the peer review process.

Design process for a first-year block-mode general chemistry unit

256th National Meeting (2018)

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