Rogers, Trudy (2021) From Rules to Relationships: The Influence of Relational Pedagogy and Experiential Learning Experiences on Flexi-School Student Success. Honours thesis, University of Southern Queensland. (Unpublished)
Abstract
Since the 1970s, flexi-schools (alternative education models) have used non-traditional approaches to educationally reengage students who have disconnected from mainstream high schools. Flexi-schools prioritise teacher-student relationships and student-centred, highly flexible curricula. Research on flexi-schools to date focuses on specific case studies, out-dated models, or small groups of schools. This systematic literature review, part of a team collaboration, bridges a research gap by examining the overall body of empirical evidence on modern flexi-schools. The review examines the use of relational teaching styles and experiential learning experiences in modern flexi-schools compared to traditional high schools, and how they are linked to successful outcomes for students. Key findings emphasise the importance of relational teaching styles to global flexi-school student success, as well as the cost to teachers in terms of time, energy, and emotional commitment. Findings also indicate greater use of experiential learning content in Australian schools than international models but few differences in success outcomes. By contributing to a comprehensive understanding of what makes these models successful, the review has the potential to guide future flexi-school pedagogy. Further research is warranted into specialist teacher training for flexi-schools, the usefulness of experiential content within Australian flexi models, and relational teaching deficits in mainstream schools.
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| Item Type: | Thesis (Non-Research) (Honours) |
|---|---|
| Item Status: | Live Archive |
| Additional Information: | Current UniSQ staff and students can request access to this thesis. Please email research.repository@unisq.edu.au with a subject line of SEAR thesis request and provide: Name of the thesis requested and Your name and UniSQ email address |
| Faculty/School / Institute/Centre: | Historic - Faculty of Health, Engineering and Sciences - School of Psychology and Counselling (1 Jan 2015 - 31 Dec 2021) |
| Supervisors: | Lorelle Burton; Michael Ireland |
| Qualification: | Bachelor of Science (Honours) |
| Date Deposited: | 31 Jul 2025 23:58 |
| Last Modified: | 31 Jul 2025 23:58 |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | flexi-schools ; alternative education ; relational teaching ; experiential learning ; flexi-school success |
| Fields of Research (2008): | 17 Psychology and Cognitive Sciences > 1799 Other Psychology and Cognitive Sciences > 179999 Psychology and Cognitive Sciences not elsewhere classified |
| Fields of Research (2020): | 52 PSYCHOLOGY > 5299 Other psychology > 529999 Other psychology not elsewhere classified |
| URI: | https://sear.unisq.edu.au/id/eprint/52707 |
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