Graduate Certificate in Block Teaching

VU course code: ETBL | Level of study: Postgraduate

Duration

0.5 years full time or longer for part time

Delivery mode

Hybrid, Online Self-Paced

Fees

Commonwealth supported place

Location

Footscray Park, Online Self-Paced

Next start date

29 July 2024

Application closes

21 July 2024

View all start dates

Young woman in a modern classroom writes on a whiteboard

Overview

The Graduate Certificate in Block Teaching at Victoria University introduces you to a contemporary method of tertiary teaching.

Block teaching is an approach to teaching and learning where students complete one unit at a time over a period of 4 weeks before beginning a new unit. There are no lectures in this model, and classes are typically small and highly engaging.

This postgraduate teaching certificate is designed for all educators at schools, universities, TAFE, and other tertiary institutions. By undertaking this course in a high-engagement and immersive model of instruction, you will extend your skillset and career options.

The course introduces practical approaches to teaching and assessment in the VU Block Model and will examine other modes of block delivery around the world. You will gain essential high-engagement teaching techniques and curriculum-design understanding for both in-person and online course delivery using these methods.

Learning in workshops and through carefully curated online self-paced activities, you will explore many approaches to this pioneering tertiary education model. You will develop and enhance your teaching skills in context, via a strong inquiry-led approach.

Successfully completing the Graduate Certificate in Block Teaching will demonstrate your teaching capabilities when applying for positions, in alignment with the Advance (HEA) Fellowship.

To expand your skills further, you can progress to the Graduate Diploma in Block Teaching, with credit points.

: On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

Elucidate the principles, practices and knowledge of educational theories in tertiary education that underpin block teaching;

Critically reflect upon the theoretical and pedagogical implications of block delivery, and assessment in block delivery that provides feedback to support student success;

Exhibit skills in the development and design of learning environments for block delivery that are structured and scaffolded to meet the needs of diverse student cohorts;

Evidence the ability to engage students through active learning and high quality inclusive teaching using current educational practice and theories to support implications for teaching;

Use a mix of theoretical knowledge, peer observation, student feedback, student work and self-reflection to critically evaluate a wide range of learning and teaching activities and outcomes.
: We are the first Australian university to use a 'block' model of learning, which builds a degree program from units studied in sequential blocks, across all undergraduate and postgraduate courses.

In the model, students complete one unit at a time, then move to the next. The block is characterised by three half-day teaching sessions per week, delivered in small classes rather than large lecture halls. Assessments are completed within each block.

All students take part in complementary activities, which reflect their needs according to year level.

So far, the VU Block Model has delivered exceptional results, with pass rates and academic achievements such as high distinctions up across the board. The model has won awards for innovation and excellence.
: Teachers and lecturers at Victoria University are uniquely qualified to address this subject, with deep understanding of intensive teaching methods built on practical experience and scholarly research.

We apply this expertise to the curriculum, delivering a useful, targeted and practical course that puts into practice the techniques covered in the theory. This gives you a direct demonstration of the block model in action, and ensures that you graduate with relevant, applicable knowledge and teaching techniques.

Entry requirements

When assessing your application, we consider your education, work experience, current skills and personal attributes (where relevant).

Applicants for this course will need to meet the entry criteria outlined below. If you don’t meet the entry criteria, you may be able to gain entry by first completing a different course. We call this a ‘pathway’.

For PhD applicants, we offer a related ‘Integrated PhD’ which allows you to establish relevant skills before beginning your research.

You may also be eligible for course ‘credits’, where you are granted a unit or units towards your qualification for equivalent previous study or work experience, so you can graduate sooner.

Entry criteria

Credit & Entry pathways into this course

Victoria University is committed to providing a transparent admissions process. Find out more about how to apply for our courses, and our commitment to admissions transparency. Meeting the minimum admission criteria does not guarantee entry into this course. Past academic performance may be considered.

Course Structure

To attain the Graduate Certificate in Block Teaching, students will be required to complete 48 credit points consisting of:

36 credit points of core studies
12 credit points of elective studies

Units

Fees & Scholarships

University fees vary, depending on how much the government contributes towards course costs (if anything).

Read below to find out about the fee ‘type’, the estimated yearly tuition costs for this course, and the financial support on offer (including our generous scholarship program).

Fees

Scholarships

CAREERS

The Graduate Certificate in Block Teaching is designed to enhance your teaching practice and open new career opportunities for those working in tertiary education. It is designed to support:

university lecturers
tertiary tutors
TAFE and vocational teachers
professionals in adult education.

The teaching certificate is also recommended for professional university staff who would like to better understand the complexities of block and intensive teaching, and improve high-engagement teaching activities.

VU Stories

Enhancing tertiary teaching

Graduate Certificate in Tertiary Education (offered to staff)

"The qualification has provided me with a professional understanding and theoretical appreciation of teaching principles, and how they impact on the important transition between the classroom and the real world."

Carlo's story