Professor Leanne de Main
@professor-c.bsky.social
Pro-Vice Chancellor & Interim Dean, Business and Law @ De Montfort University. PFHEA. Here for education, compassion, kindness and the good people. ADHD. VMO. #AcademicSky
and you have to be clear on what it is you are trying to improve. Block is one of many modes of teaching, essentially, it is just a scheduling tool,
April 2, 2025 at 8:05 PM
and you have to be clear on what it is you are trying to improve. Block is one of many modes of teaching, essentially, it is just a scheduling tool,
* crawls back to business safe space *
April 2, 2025 at 8:02 PM
* crawls back to business safe space *
Do you have any suggestions on other modes of learning?
April 2, 2025 at 8:00 PM
Do you have any suggestions on other modes of learning?
I can introduce you to FT campus science academics who have made it a success!
April 2, 2025 at 7:59 PM
I can introduce you to FT campus science academics who have made it a success!
How can we call ourselves academics if we cannot be provocative? And I think sarcasm is in the job description!
In all seriousness, any institution considering block needs to decide what problem they are trying to 'fix', because block may not be for everyone.
In all seriousness, any institution considering block needs to decide what problem they are trying to 'fix', because block may not be for everyone.
April 2, 2025 at 7:55 PM
How can we call ourselves academics if we cannot be provocative? And I think sarcasm is in the job description!
In all seriousness, any institution considering block needs to decide what problem they are trying to 'fix', because block may not be for everyone.
In all seriousness, any institution considering block needs to decide what problem they are trying to 'fix', because block may not be for everyone.
A6 There are some good resources here: www.timeshighereducation.com/campus/colle...
Here: learninblock.dmu.ac.uk/welcome-to-l...
#lthechat
Here: learninblock.dmu.ac.uk/welcome-to-l...
#lthechat
What is block teaching?
Whether it’s called block teaching, block scheduling, block planning or simply the block model, this mode of instruction is intense, immersive and sometimes divisive. But is it more effective than tra...
www.timeshighereducation.com
April 2, 2025 at 7:51 PM
A6 There are some good resources here: www.timeshighereducation.com/campus/colle...
Here: learninblock.dmu.ac.uk/welcome-to-l...
#lthechat
Here: learninblock.dmu.ac.uk/welcome-to-l...
#lthechat
I prefer the second part of your answer!!
April 2, 2025 at 7:46 PM
I prefer the second part of your answer!!
We redesigned for block. We used sprint design methodology which involved whole teams planning whole programmes together. THis made a big difference is designing for whole programme curricula and assessment.
April 2, 2025 at 7:45 PM
We redesigned for block. We used sprint design methodology which involved whole teams planning whole programmes together. THis made a big difference is designing for whole programme curricula and assessment.
And here for a list of resources: learninblock.dmu.ac.uk/welcome-to-l...
Learn in Block
learninblock.dmu.ac.uk
April 2, 2025 at 7:43 PM
And here for a list of resources: learninblock.dmu.ac.uk/welcome-to-l...
Have a look here for some interesting accounts: www.timeshighereducation.com/campus/colle...
What is block teaching?
Whether it’s called block teaching, block scheduling, block planning or simply the block model, this mode of instruction is intense, immersive and sometimes divisive. But is it more effective than traditional university semesters? This collection of resources from academics around the world looks at how it works, its capacity to support diverse student cohorts across higher education, and its drawbacks and challenges.
www.timeshighereducation.com
April 2, 2025 at 7:42 PM
Have a look here for some interesting accounts: www.timeshighereducation.com/campus/colle...
It varies from 10 to 1000! But when teaching large cohorts we team teach so marking is distributed.
April 2, 2025 at 7:42 PM
It varies from 10 to 1000! But when teaching large cohorts we team teach so marking is distributed.
We have an enhancement week between blocks for marking, preparation and the students can go on trips, have career support etc. The resit happens after Easter so b1 and b2 are completed. The fact that Easter moves each year does cause a few problems when planning the academic calendar!
April 2, 2025 at 7:41 PM
We have an enhancement week between blocks for marking, preparation and the students can go on trips, have career support etc. The resit happens after Easter so b1 and b2 are completed. The fact that Easter moves each year does cause a few problems when planning the academic calendar!
A4 one of the myths I have encountered is that university regulations do not allow it. But who writes the regulations? ....... the university! #LTHEchat
April 2, 2025 at 7:37 PM
A4 one of the myths I have encountered is that university regulations do not allow it. But who writes the regulations? ....... the university! #LTHEchat
Absolutely this, having worked in QA and working with many QA teams, I have found very little resistance to innovation and change. It is often an imagined barrier.
April 2, 2025 at 7:36 PM
Absolutely this, having worked in QA and working with many QA teams, I have found very little resistance to innovation and change. It is often an imagined barrier.
It varies from each institution. At DMU we have a reassessment period after block 2 for either block 1 or 2 resits, then the same after block 4. Then a second summer resit.
April 2, 2025 at 7:34 PM
It varies from each institution. At DMU we have a reassessment period after block 2 for either block 1 or 2 resits, then the same after block 4. Then a second summer resit.
I believe programmes need to be designed FOR block.
April 2, 2025 at 7:34 PM
I believe programmes need to be designed FOR block.
Yes, important indeed, we work to 15 working days for feedback turnaround.
April 2, 2025 at 7:33 PM
Yes, important indeed, we work to 15 working days for feedback turnaround.
A very good point, too much variety isn't always a good thing. Students need to practice assessment types over time so they don't spend all of their time learning the method, not the knowledge.
April 2, 2025 at 7:32 PM
A very good point, too much variety isn't always a good thing. Students need to practice assessment types over time so they don't spend all of their time learning the method, not the knowledge.
It also helps that we completely redesigned all programmes FOR block. 'lift and shift' is not recommended!
April 2, 2025 at 7:28 PM
It also helps that we completely redesigned all programmes FOR block. 'lift and shift' is not recommended!
This is a good point Sue, we did consider this. Missing one week due to illness is essentially 20% of module 'content'. We try to alleviate this somewhat by ensuring lectures are recorded and there are additional online support materials.
April 2, 2025 at 7:26 PM
This is a good point Sue, we did consider this. Missing one week due to illness is essentially 20% of module 'content'. We try to alleviate this somewhat by ensuring lectures are recorded and there are additional online support materials.
How do you define narrow learning?
April 2, 2025 at 7:23 PM
How do you define narrow learning?
A2 Transitions into block are vital, especially if students join from A Levels. It can be a bit of a shock hearing your first assessment is due in 7 weeks and it counts for 25% of your yearly grade! We have found that giving students a road map, or yearly overview is helpful.
April 2, 2025 at 7:23 PM
A2 Transitions into block are vital, especially if students join from A Levels. It can be a bit of a shock hearing your first assessment is due in 7 weeks and it counts for 25% of your yearly grade! We have found that giving students a road map, or yearly overview is helpful.