UniSQ College’s Focused Learning Mode: Democracy, dilemma and decisions

UniSQ College’s Focused Learning Mode: Democracy, dilemma and decisions

In March 2023, what was the University of Southern Queensland’s Tertiary Preparation Program (TPP), commenced learning provision with a new structure and delivery mode. Instead of a required completion pattern with core courses, we implemented a flexible pathway that allows students to enter their chosen degree as soon as they achieve the relevant minimum entry requirements. All courses, moreover, were converted from standard semesters to our “focused learning mode” of six-week teaching blocks.

This presentation will explore this transition in relation to core educational dilemmas. These include the tensions between flexibility, coherence, and standards; meeting the student demand for quick outcomes and transitions without sacrificing the meaningful learning and critical analytical capacity they need to succeed; and providing community and belonging in an ever more transactional and asynchronous educational environment.

We will consider these dilemmas against the underpinning of democratisation and through the example of the planning, implementation, and review of this project. Of necessity, the project took positions in relation to these dilemmas. We will consider the reasoning behind our decisions and the measures we are taking to address our trepidations. We will share the outcomes to date and how we are continuing to respond to improve the pathway.

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