Title: Block mode delivery in an andragogic environment: challenges and strategies

Authors: Shalini Ajayan; Sreejith Balasubramanian

Addresses: Mohammed Bin Rashid School of Government, Level 13, Convention Tower, P.O. Box 72229, Dubai, UAE ' Middlesex University Dubai, Knowledge Park, P.O. Box 500697, Dubai, UAE

Abstract: Block mode of delivery, a distinct form of accelerated/intensive course offering, has witnessed significant growth in recent years in higher education. However, despite the increase in popularity, academic enquiry into block mode delivery has been scarce. This formed the motivation of this study where a comprehensive understanding on the challenges and strategies for improving block mode teaching is developed based on multiple interviews with academics involved in block mode delivery in the UAE. The study found ten key challenges impacting block mode delivery and nine strategies to minimise/eliminate these challenges. The findings are expected to provide academics, policymakers and institutions in the UAE higher education sector, and in general, key insights into the effective design, delivery, and management of courses in block mode. An investigation on block-mode teaching in the UAE higher education has not been previously attempted and constitutes the novelty of this work.

Keywords: block mode learning; accelerated learning; higher education; adult education; United Arab Emirates.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMIE.2021.113523

International Journal of Management in Education, 2021 Vol.15 No.2, pp.116 - 139

Received: 07 Nov 2019
Accepted: 19 Feb 2020
Published online: 10 Mar 2021 *

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