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Nano Conference #11 - Exploring Block Teaching
Conference / Exhibition / Public lectures / seminars
Nano Conferences are a series of online, bite-sized, and convenient sessions designed to share practical insights that enhance the student experience.
Running once each semester, these 15-minute presentations showcase innovative practices and perspectives from across the Coventry University Group and invited external contributors. Each session offers a focused opportunity to learn from colleagues across diverse disciplines and educational settings.
Collaboration with UK Business College
For this edition, we’re excited to partner with UK Business College (UKBC) to explore staff experiences and reflections on block teaching as a strategy to support student success.
UKBC is a respected leader in delivering flexible, inclusive, and innovative education. Their commitment to accessible learning empowers students to shape their futures with confidence and purpose, equipping them with the skills to thrive in an evolving world.
This collaboration reflects our shared dedication to advancing effective teaching practices and fostering meaningful, future-ready learning environments.
Agenda and speakers
- 10:30am – Welcome
Academic Enhancement and Professional Development
- 10:35am – Adapting Teaching and Learning for Block Success
Teaching in a compressed block format challenges us to do more with less time - without compromising the quality of learning. In this session, we share practical strategies we’ve adopted in our teaching, including active learning and engagement techniques that support students at every stage. Alongside these proven approaches, we’ll also reflect on the real-world challenges of block delivery - highlighting common issues encountered in day-to-day operations and how we work to address them. Grounded in experience, this session offers insights to help both staff and students successfully navigate the demands of block-based learning.
Segun Ojarotade
Tabitha Rodrigues
- 10:50am – Opportunities for Curriculum Engagement using Modular Block Delivery
An examination of the opportunities and challenges of block teaching. This will focus primarily on the learner experience but also include some of the factors influencing academic preparation and delivery. CU Coventry was an early adopter to modular block teaching over 12 years ago and have seen great success in the model however there are always lessons to learn especially in relation to the needs of our learners ever-evolving needs.
Marion Greenhalgh
- 11:05am – Academic Support Services: Strengthening Student Success in a Compressed Curriculum
In a compressed curriculum, students are expected to absorb and apply knowledge quickly, making academic support not just beneficial, but essential. This session explores how the Academic Support Centre at UKBC scaffolds key academic skills such as writing, referencing, digital literacy etc through tailored workshops and targeted support mechanisms. Designed with adult learners in mind, our approach builds confidence from the outset and aligns closely with assessment requirements and delivery timelines. By embedding academic support into the learning journey, we aim to cultivate independent, resilient learners equipped for success.
Tabitha Rodrigues (see first session for biography)
- 11:20 – 11:30am Break
- 11:30am – What is a Miro-Board’s role in supporting a ‘deep dive’ into an interdisciplinary module?
A module titled Education Policy Past and Present, aimed at first-year students with limited prior exposure to England’s social and cultural history or key events that have shaped education policy since the Second World War, prompted the question: How can a digital resource and peer-to-peer learning be used to improve teaching and learning? To explore this question, a Miro board was developed. Its bespoke design emerged from professional discussions between education technologists and the academic delivery team. This presentation reflects on the outcomes of the collaborative project.
Yvonne Thomas
- 11:45 – Student Support Services: Holistic Student Support for Sustainable Success
Student success in block delivery extends beyond academic achievement—it's deeply intertwined with wellbeing, inclusion, and responsive, practical support. This session explores how a holistic approach to student support fosters resilience, a sense of belonging, and academic confidence. We'll unpack proactive strategies including wellbeing initiatives, peer engagement, and tailored student services. By acknowledging the complex, real-world challenges our learners face, we aim to position student support as a cornerstone of retention, progression, and sustainable success. The session champions a culture where students feel safe, valued, and empowered to thrive—beyond the classroom.
Ammaara Kagzi
- 12:00pm – How to Constructively Align Your Teaching and Learning Design with Assessments to Support Student Success in Block Teaching
Block teaching presents challenges such as high contact hours, reluctant learners, and pressure from single-point assessments. However, well-designed assessments can enhance attendance, engagement, and skill development. Strategies such as continuous assessment, authentic tasks, collaborative learning, scaffolded assignments, and AI integration can help students build time management, resilience, independence, and reflection skills. Aligning assessment methods with the demands of block teaching can create a more supportive and effective learning environment. This session will provide practical examples and innovative ideas to demonstrate how these strategies can be effectively implemented.
Becky Canning
- 12:15pm – Closing
Academic Enhancement and Professional Development
