VU City Tower
370 Little Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC

24-26 July 2024

The 2024 IBILTA Conference will be hosted by Victoria University. The theme of the conference is University Built Better - The Block & The Future of Higher Education

Traditionally, university courses in Higher Education have been delivered through lectures which have been passive, often resulting in poor student engagement and attendance. Universities and Colleges are left asking themselves ‘How can university be the best experience it can be?’ In doing so, a number of Higher Education institutions have reimagined course delivery and made the bold decision to shift to a block model approach. 

Building the block requires careful planning and integration of pedagogy, whilst paying close attention to compliance and governance requirements. Academics and researchers have made and continue to make significant contributions to the design and implementation of block teaching. This IBILTA conference recognises the impact Block models have had on students and poses the questions of how we can continue to shape higher education. 

The conference theme is a broad theme but some sub-themes may include the following:

Block Opportunities and Challenges

Curriculum, Governance and Regulation

Authentic Assessment and Feedback

The Student Voice and experiences of the Block

Innovation – where to next?

Building an international community practice 

Professional learning & supporting staff

Wellbeing & Sustainability in the Block

Learning beyond the classroom: Field Trips & Experiential Learning Experiences

Effective use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the block and what does this mean for integrity?

Bethany Blankenship is dedicated to incorporating experiential learning into all her classes. Blankenship’s students have worked on behalf of the Beaverhead County Humane Society, the Dillon Public Library, the Women’s Resource Center, and the Dillon Tribune. Blankenship was chosen by the Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education to be an inaugural member of the Montana University System Teaching Scholars in 2019. Blankenship’s research on teaching and learning can be read in the books MLA Approaches to Teaching The Canterbury Tales, Linked Courses for General Education and Integrative Pedagogy, Block Teaching Essentials: A Practical Guide, and The Greatest Lecture I Was Never Taught: Leadership Lessons and Mentoring Moments from the Lives of Everyday Educators.

Amanda Muscat, an academic and researcher at VU, is dedicated to pedagogical innovation and inclusive practice. Since 2020, she has played a key role in designing creative and student-focused programs for Block delivery and teaching in Block mode, continually reflecting on, and enhancing effective pedagogy for Block delivery. Additionally, she has been instrumental in developing and delivering the VU Block Model Induction Program and VU Graduate Diploma in Block Teaching. Her focus is on advancing block teaching and learning through research, with a particular emphasis on active, experiential, and inquiry-based approaches. Her most recent publication in the Journal of Block and Intensive Learning Teaching Association explores university educators’ experiences of block teaching in higher education contexts. With over 20 years of teaching experience, Amanda brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to enhancing pedagogical practices in higher education.

The IBILTA Awards aim to recognise and promote excellence
and innovation in block and intensive modes of teaching as
well as:

• Recognise and promote excellence and innovation in block and intensive delivery modes of teaching
• Provide an opportunity for academics to demonstrate their learning and teaching expertise on an international level
• Highlight contributions to block and intensive teaching in Higher Education

View the IBILTA Awards Application Guide

IBILTA24 THURSDAY CONFERENCE DINNER
& AWARDS

IBILTA24 STANDARD FULL CONFERENCE & IBILTA MEMBERSHIP

BLOCK MODEL WORKSHOPS

Individual workshops to empower Block teaching

Ticket prices are per person. Full Conference ticket does not include Dinner and Awards Night; this must be purchased separately.

Event Sponsorship Opportunity
Your commitment to innovation, education and global leadership is renowned. That's why we are thrilled to invite you to sponsor the 2024 IBILTA Conference and IBILTA Excellence Awards.

IBILTA Membership is valid from the date of purchase until 30 June 2025. You will receive a separate communication from the IBILTA team welcoming you to the membership community.

Program is subject to change.

Wednesday 24 July

Thursday 25 July

Friday 26 July

12:30pm - 1pm

Conference Registration

8:30am - 9am

Conference Registration

8:30am - 9am

Conference Registration

1pm – 5pm

Conference Sessions

9am – 5pm

Conference Sessions

9am – 3pm

Conference Sessions

6pm

Conference Dinner & Awards

View the recordings from the inaugural 2023
IBILTA Conference hosted by Victoria University.

Tuesday 23 July

9am - 12pm

Tuesday 23 July

1pm - 4pm

Wednesday 24 July

9am - 12pm

Workshop 1

Introduction to Block Teaching

Workshop 3

High Engagement Teaching in Block

Workshop 4

Designing Curriculum for Block Teaching

OR Workshop 2

Designing Assessment for Block Teaching

Proud Sponsor of the 2024 IBILTA Conference:

Get in touch

Connect with VU Melbourne

Acknowledgment of Country

We acknowledge the Ancestors, Elders and families of the Kulin Nation (Melbourne Campuses), the Eora Nation (Sydney Campus) and the Yulara/YUgarapul and Turrbal Nation (Brisbane Campus) who are the traditional owners of University land.

To learn more, please contact the Moondani Balluk Academic Unit on +61 3 9919 2836 or [email protected]

1300 VIC UNI (1300 842 864)

Enquire online

Visit Victoria University site

Copyright © 2024. Victoria University, CRICOS No. 00124K (Melbourne), 02475D (Sydney and Brisbane), RTO 3113, TEQSA No. PRV12152