Victoria University’s block teaching raises marks, cuts dropouts

A new smaller-class method of teaching first-year uni students is paying dividends educationally and financially.

Victoria University vice-chancellor Peter Dawkins. Picture: Stuart McEvoy

Victoria University’s new block teaching model has cut the dropout rate and led to students scoring higher grades than last year when students were taught in the traditional way.

According to data supplied by the university, the institution is teaching about 200 more first-year commencing students (in full-time equivalent terms) than it was this time last year.

And far fewer students are dropping out.

Measured from the time of peak enrolment numbers — at the start of classes in late February — this year 12 per cent of students have dropped out compared with 17.7 per cent last year.

The improved retention is evidence that Victoria University’s new block teaching mode for first-year students — in which they are taught one unit at a time in small classes, each for a four-week block — is improving outcomes.

Not only has retention improved but the university says student grades also have improved dramatically.

High distinctions (23.4 per cent of all grades awarded) and distinctions (27.1 per cent of all grades) are up compared with last year, when the proportion of high distinctions was 15.6 per cent and the distinctions were 19.9 per cent. As a corollary, pass grades (11.2 per cent of all grades) and fails (13.2 per cent of all grades) were down compared with last year, when passes were at 16.8 per cent and fails at 22.3 per cent. The data compares last year’s results with this year’s results so far.

First Year College dean Andrew Smallridge said this year’s assessment tasks were equivalent to last year’s. And in some instances where they were the same, the grades also had risen, he said.

The lower dropout rate will improve Victoria University’s financial position because more students will flow through second and third years, meaning the university collects more fees.