By Ewen McRae
Victoria University’s new teaching model, introduced last year, has resulted in a steep increase in first-round offers for 2019.
The university reported a 12 per cent jump in first preference offers compared to the previous year, crediting it’s block model of teaching for the success.
The block model focuses on students successfully completing one unit at a time before moving to the next, instead of juggling multiple units simultaneously.
Vice-chancellor Peter Dawkins said the results vindicated the university’s change of teaching model.
“This strong growth is clear evidence that VU’s remarkable transformation, particularly through the block model method of teaching and learning, is attracting more students than ever before,” Professor Dawkins said. “These results vindicate that we are doing something extraordinary in Australia’s higher education sector that is worth celebrating.
“We are transforming university for our students and giving them a new way to do uni.”
The results come on the back of strong enrollments in TAFE courses following the state government’s introduction of a number of free courses.
Victoria University polytechnic has reported a strong interest in TAFE courses across its western suburb campuses, with the state government reporting 3000 students had enrolled in free courses already.
Popular courses included nursing, plumbing, accounting and disability support.
Premier Daniel Andrews said the early figures on TAFE enrollments were a strong sign for the future.
“Free TAFE is giving Victorians the skills they need to secure the job they want – without a hefty price tag,” he said.
“Not only are we investing in the projects our state needs, we’re investing in the people we need to deliver them.”
