Practice-centric learning in the law degree

Title

Practice-centric learning in the law degree

Author(s)

Dr Olivia Rundle, Dr Brendan Gogarty

Presentation Goals

• Be familiar with the practice-centric model of learning adopted in Law
• Understand specific ways that the model is adopted in compulsory Law units
• Consider opportunities for implementation of similar ideas and approaches in your own context and practice.

Subtheme

Distinctive to Us

Presentation Type

Spotlight on Practice

Keywords

group work, firm, collaboration, student engagement, employability

Room

Social Sciences 209

Time

11.30-12.10

Abstract

The Faculty of Law's practice-centric teaching model was expanded in 2015 by introducing the model to the core final year unit Civil Procedure. Through simulation of working in a legal practice firm, the innovative model of teaching supports students to develop key Law Threshold Learning Outcomes, including TLO1(c) the principles and values of justice and of ethical practice in lawyers' roles, TLO2 Ethics and Professional Responsibility, TLO3 Thinking Skills, TLO5(b) Collaborate Effectively, and TLO6 Self-management. The UTAS model is an innovative way of providing simulated opportunities for law students to develop their professional identities and to experience authentic professional contexts within the controlled environment of the University. There are some advantages of simulation over clinical programmes – primarily the fact that the process can be truly student rather than client centred, and students have the opportunity to learn from their mistakes and to improve the way that they interact with colleagues and clients in professional contexts. This Spotlight on Practice session will explain the "big picture" context of the practice centric model in law and then specific features of the implementation of the model in both Constitutional Law and Civil Procedure will be shared. There will be opportunity for other academics to interact with the presenters to maximise the value of the session. The session is likely to be of particular interest to academics who teach in disciplines where students are destined to work in a team environment after graduation. The law practice-centric model is a way of enlivening student's engagement with content and building their "soft skills" that are sought from graduates.