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The Australian Centre for Student Equity and Success acknowledges Indigenous peoples across Australia as the Traditional Owners of the lands on which the nation’s campuses are situated. With a history spanning more than 60,000 years as the original educators, Indigenous peoples hold a unique place in our nation. We recognise the importance of their knowledge and culture, and reflect the principles of participation, equity, and cultural respect in our work. We pay our respects to Elders past, present, and future, and consider it an honour to learn from our Indigenous colleagues, partners, and friends.

You are reading: Equity through complexity: Inside the “black box” of the Block Model

Written by Jen Jackson1, Kathy Tangalakis1, Peter Hurley1, Ian Solomonides1

Summary

The study looked inside the “black box” of the Block Model, interviewing VU leaders, academics and students about why it has improved retention and learning. The findings show that the Block’s impact comes not only from the Model itself, but from the complex context surrounding it. The study can help other universities recognise and manage complexity in equity-focused innovations.

This study investigated an innovation in higher education that has achieved demonstrable results for equity students: the Block Model at Victoria University (VU). The study looked inside the “black box” of the Block Model, interviewing VU leaders, academics and students about why it has improved retention and learning. The findings show that the Block’s impact comes not only from the Model itself, but from the complex context surrounding it. The study can help other universities recognise and manage complexity in equity-focused innovations.

Read the full study here: Equity Through Complexity: Inside The “Black Box” Of The Block Model (ncsehe.edu.au)


1Victoria University