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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.
Copyright © 2025 THE - Times Higher Education. All rights reserved. ‘ Why do we still timetable classes as if students don ’ t have lives outside university ? ’
As the block model has evolved from educational outlier to established practice , the questions it raises about how higher education is delivered are increasingly …
Emerging leaders , your universities need you
When a university is undergoing transformational change , emerging leaders are crucial for translating strategy into action . Zo ë Allman and Gary Souter share their …
What block learning taught me about meeting diverse student needs
In block learning , where time is condensed , students are at a greater risk of falling behind . Here , Kevin Merry explains how formative assessment can drive targeted …
Curriculum reform to boost under - represented students ’ success in higher education
Large - scale transition from traditional curricula to a block model can have a positive impact on student achievement . Here , Thomas Roche , Erica Wilson and Liz …
Sprinting into blocks : what computing , AI and gaming academics learned
Introducing block delivery using Sprint methodology to design academic programmes saw computing , AI and gaming academics rise to the challenge . De Montfort …
Making space for innovation : a higher education challenge
Risk , chance and disruption can be paths to innovative teaching practice . Here , Michelle Prawer offers ways to bring more flexibility into the classroom
Questions beyond majors : developing mental maturity in students
When undergraduates build their own course plan , reading list and thesis project , the benefits extend beyond the individual student ’ s mindset to teaching faculty , write Ryan …
New views on the block : schedule or philosophy ?
Colorado College founded its Block Plan in the heady , revolutionary late 1960s . What can a look back over 50 years teach us about the future of compressed and modular …
To block or not to block ? How time affects learning in higher education
From intensive block plans to open - ended study programmes , the ideal length for a unit of study is under interrogation . Jason M . Lodge considers the evidence
Block teaching : what it is , how to do it and why
With its short , intense courses , is block teaching the way to boost student success and engagement ? John Weldon gives seven tips for switching to the block model and …
Blocks for building a stronger student community
Block teaching can help rapidly establish bonds among students , and with their lecturers , which in turn maximises learning potential . Here , Sarah Jones offers …
Block to the future : why block scheduling has taken so long to catch on
Block teaching has been around since the mid - noughties , but those short - lived early trials were ahead of the curve . Simon Thomson and Carl Flattery explore …
How block teaching supports students from under - represented groups
Shorter , more immersive units are helping raise attainment and success for students with complex and diverse needs
From conventional course to block scheduling : adapting resources for successful learning
Block teaching can seem like an impossible task – all the teaching in less than half the time . But with intentional design of courses and resources , you can move …
Rhythm of a class : lesson - planning and assessment in block teaching
Block scheduling rethinks curriculum design , lesson - planning , assessment and feedback . Tom Clark outlines how this shift , as well as blended learning resources , …
Block mode of teaching in higher education : advantages and challenges
Block scheduling may be intense but can also foster student engagement and reduce stress . It needs careful implementation to realise its full benefits
