embedding legal research skills into the llb curriculum: feedback from groups
DESCRIPTION
Feedback on activity 2 at HEA-funded workshop 'Embedding legal research skills into the LLB curriculum'. LETR identified that “legal research skills are not sufficiently acquired by the end of the academic stage” and recommends the introduction of distinct assessment in legal research to the LLB. This workshop explored the ways in which legal research skills can be developed and assessed within a qualifying law degree. This presentation is part of a related blog post that provides an overview of the event: http://bit.ly/1hUljKb For further details of the HEA's work on teaching research methods in the Social Sciences, please see: http://bit.ly/15go0mhTRANSCRIPT
Workshop TwoFeedback
7th April 2014
GROUP 1
How to incorporate teaching & assessment into substantive courses?
Librarians & academics working togetherLegal skill not a separate skill/unit, but part of
academic lifeAppropriate timing of skills teaching (point of
need)Take a program view, not a course view
Obstacles to incorporating research into core courses
Student scepticism, poor attendanceTimetabling issues, appropriate teaching
spacesAcademic entrenchment – resistance to
change/risk avoidance“the System” – risk avoidance due to fear of
failure (student and academic world)
Teaching StrategiesFlipped classroom – risky, possibly under estimatedResearch record/blog – time consuming, but can
beneficialAnnotated bib – forces to evaluate the sources –
why is it included or excluded? Forces student to start the research and reference correctly
Advice clinics (real or simulated) – authentic research, real affects, but very resource intense
Cartwheel – good for visual learnersMooting – forces research, argument development,
presentation skills, confidence
One Step1 Integrate research skills into every unit2 (if we may) – assess research and be
prepared to fail/mark severely.
Group 2
Working in partnership…Collaboration with academicsScaffolding research skill sessionsStudent recognition of transferable skillsReinforcement of skills
We like the research log and will take it back to our institutions
Group 3
Addressing research skills deficitLegal research skills module / embedding
skills into substantive modules at year 1Set context to provide relevance of research
skills to studentsSummative assessmentCompulsory
Years 2 & 3Legal research skills embedded into modulesReinforcing the skillsPlacing skills in a practical contextE.g., work-based learning, legal advice
clinics, mooting, pro bono projects, volunteering, extra curricular activities
Group 4
One step university law schools can take…Embedded throughout the entire course in all
substantive courses devised and delivered in partnership between academic and Library staff