Abstract
Recent studies indicate that shorter, immersive block delivery models have enhanced learning outcomes and success for enabling students (Goode, 2024). This cross-institutional study is the first to compare 6-week and 13-week delivery models within Australian enabling education. It reports on staff reflections, at Southern Cross University (SCU) and the University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC), on the effectiveness of enabling practice and pedagogy in shorter immersive models compared with the longer traditional semester. Quantitative data compared student pass rates for courses in both models for 5 years at SCU and 3 years at UniSC. Qualitative data analysed reflections from 10 educators gathered using collaborative autoethnography (Hobbs & Whitsett, 2023). While inferential tests indicated a statistically significant increase in student success rates in the shorter model at both institutions, the reflections from educators revealed rich, nuanced but often contradictory insights into the complexities, challenges, and benefits of both models. Thematic analysis (Braun & Clarke, 2006, 2022) of the de-identified reflections revealed that the shorter model creates a sense of urgency, encouraging students to stay motivated and avoid procrastination. It improves time management, reduces distractions, and promotes peer support and collaboration. However, educators were concerned that the intensive model increases tutor stress, associated with marking and administrative tasks while reducing opportunities for building strong student-tutor relationships. The staff reflections provide recommendations for teaching and learning in the shorter delivery model and contributions to best practice pedagogy in course design, communication, and constructive alignment for enabling programs.