TRANSITIONING TO EMERGENCY REMOTE TEACHING IN A BLOCK MODEL CURRICULUM: A CASE STUDY OF ACADEMICS’ EXPERIENCES IN AN AUSTRALIAN UNIVERSITY

Abstract

ABSTRACTThis Australian university case study explores the transition to emergency, remote teaching (ERT) in an intensive Block Model curriculum during the COVID-19 pandemic. An online survey investigated academics’ experiences of factors that helped or hindered their transition. A thematic analysis of the data revealed a symbiotic relationship between the Block Model curriculum, professional learning, and academics’ sense of agency as they experienced their transition. We relate our findings to Whittle et al.’s 2020 framework and propose an extended framework based on how teaching was influenced by the changed environment. Drawing on the extended framework, we propose lessons for the future based on how academics were reflectively adapting to ERT. In the four-week Block Model, lessons were learned and applied in the subsequent Block. Critical lessons relevant to higher education institutions include increasing diversity of effective, un-invigilated assessment types, and fostering student wellbeing by facilitating learning spaces where students connect with peers and academics. Furthermore, academics need connections with peers and safe spaces in which to debrief on evolving situations and build confidence in using new learning technologies. Professional learning fostering an emergency-informed, safe learning environment effectively reduces isolation and better prepares institutions for future emergencies.Keywords: Block Modelemergency remote teachinghigher educationuniversitiesacademics 7. AcknowledgmentsThe authors thank the reviewers for their insights contributing to a more focused paper.8. Disclosure StatementNo potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).Notes1 A subject (Unit/Module/Paper/Course) comprises all teaching and assessments, which in traditional semesters occurs over a 13-week teaching-period and a 3-week examination-period. In Block Model, teaching and assessments are complete within 4-weeks. Students study one subject at a time.