Introducing block mode to first-year university students: a natural experiment on satisfaction and performance

Abstract

A multidisciplinary Australian University introduced a block model of blended, sequential 4-week blocks to first-year students. This natural experiment compares the inaugural block and two prior cohorts on satisfaction and performance (n = 15,989 satisfaction and n = 86,545 assessment observations). Mixed effect cross-classified models with comprehensive controls, moderation and sensitivity testing show substantial increases in performance, especially for equity groups important in an expanding sector: low-socio-economic and prior academic achievement, non-English-speaking background. Effects on satisfaction were small with increases in teaching satisfaction but decrement in course satisfact..