At long last, a textbook has arrived that does more than just explain block teaching—it champions it.
Written by an experienced team of international educators, this new publication brings together the theory, practice, and institutional insight needed to design, deliver, and sustain block teaching across higher education.
As many of us know, block teaching is more than a timetable—it’s a pedagogical shift. It’s about creating space for deeper learning, stronger student-teacher connections, and more coherent assessment and feedback cycles. But for those new to the approach, the question has always been: Where do I start?
This textbook provides the answer.
Structured with educators and leaders in mind, the book offers a comprehensive guide from the earliest stages of curriculum exploration through to classroom delivery and post-unit review. Each chapter is templated for clarity and ease of use, providing adaptable strategies and examples drawn directly from real-world classrooms and institutions.
The strength of this publication lies in its balance: rigorous theoretical frameworks are complemented by practical tools; institutional insights sit alongside case studies from students and teachers; and each chapter encourages critical reflection as much as practical application.
Importantly, the textbook also speaks to those working behind the scenes; leaders, administrators, and learning designers navigating the broader system shifts required for block models to succeed. With dedicated guidance on change management, leadership, and whole-of-institution planning, it’s as useful in the boardroom as it is in the classroom.
For academics exploring more immersive models of teaching, or for institutions already on the block journey, this book is an invaluable resource. It supports a teaching approach that moves away from fragmentation and overload, toward focus, depth, and meaningful engagement.
We know the impact that well-supported, high-engagement teaching can have on student outcomes, staff wellbeing, and institutional culture. This book not only recognises that impact—it helps us realise it.
Whether you’re block-curious, midway through implementation, or reflecting on years of experience, this is a timely and practical addition to the field. It captures the collective knowledge of experts who have trialled, refined, and championed block teaching across different educational contexts, and it generously shares that learning with the rest of us.
As we continue to explore the future of teaching and learning, this book reminds us that sometimes, doing things differently isn’t just possible; it’s transformative.
Professor Loretta Konjarski is a innovative educational leader in the FYC at Victoria University, Melbourne, and a founding member of the FYC who has lead learning and teaching programs focused on the VU Block Model. With over 34 years of experience in curriculum design and high-engagement teaching, she chairs the VU Block Model Professional Learning Program Steering Committee and co-chairs the Graduate Certificate of Block Teaching to drive evidence-based improvements in curriculum, pedagogy, and assessment. Loretta also collaborates globally to promote block learning, and her latest book, Block Teaching Essentials (co-edited with Associate Professor John Weldon), was published by Springer Nature in 2025
Associate Professor John Weldon is an educator, researcher, and writer specializing in curriculum innovation, digital media, and creative writing. As Head of Curriculum at Victoria University’s First Year College® (2017–2021), he played a key role in designing and implementing the VU Block Model®. From 2022–2023, he led the revitalization of VU’s business degrees.
Weldon co-edited Block Teaching Essentials: A Practical Guide (2025), the world’s first book on block teaching in higher education, and co-authored Content Production for Digital Media (2021). He founded the International Block and Intensive Learning and Teaching Association (IBILTA) in 2020, serving as its Founding President until 2023.
A former Professional and Creative Writing academic, Weldon is also a novelist and journalist, with work published in The Age, The Sydney Morning Herald, The ABC, and more. His career reflects a commitment to educational transformation and impactful storytelling.