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Implementing Systematic Curriculum Renewal
Professor Jeff GiddingsGriffith Law SchoolBrisbane Australia
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Introduction
Systematic Curriculum Renewal– The process is important
– Implementation is the hardest part
– What to expect
– Reflections
– Expanded version on Conference USB stick
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Introduction
Systematic Curriculum Renewal Understanding & managing expectations
• Our students • Our universities – work-integrated learning,
internationalisation• The profession – contrary relationship• The admission authorities – content focus
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Griffith Curriculum Review – Process
• Conducted over 18 months• Substantial committee – choose carefully• Consultative approach• Focus on limiting workloads where possible
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Griffith Curriculum Review – Process
• Consultations with students• Consultations with members of the profession
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Griffith Curriculum Review – Outcomes
• Graduate attributes – Richard Johnstone’s presentation– 15 different attributes– Broad approach– How to best foster them? Think big and be patient
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Griffith Curriculum Review – Outcomes
• More effective order & structure of core courses• New compulsory courses
– Legal Research– Legal Writing– Transnational Law
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Griffith Curriculum Review – Outcomes
• Incremental development of student knowledge in key areas – Vertical Subjects– Legal theory & interdisciplinarity– Group work– Ethics– Generic & legal skills– Internationalisation– Indigenous awareness
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Griffith Curriculum Review – Outcomes
• Vertical Subjects– Linked coverage – building from year to year– Assessment items in core courses
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Example - NegotiationProperty 3Simulated negotiation then de-briefClass discuss outcomes & process
Practice leading to working knowledge, effective decision-making, understand need to keep learning
Property 2Preparation processClient interests, strategy choice &
Ethical dimensions,Context, strategy, structure
ContractIntro readingsClass discussionVideo
ethical dimensions Understanding of process & its importance
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Implementing the Review
4 year process plus evaluation• Law School endorsement• University endorsement • Professional accreditation• You need to keep your Committee going
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Implementing the Review
4 year process plus evaluation• Transition arrangements
– Multi-cohort courses – Get with the program!
• Every team needs a pedant & an obsessive• University support & resources
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Implementing the Review
4 year process plus evaluation• Evaluation strategy • Vertical subject assessment• The hardest part of the process
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Implementing the Review
Evaluation• Involvement of non-GLS evaluation expert• Did we do what we said we would?• What difference have the changes made?
• Not easy in the midst of everything else
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Reflecting on Curriculum Renewal• Not as easy as it might seem• Expect the unexpected• Need leadership continuity
– Dean– Committee
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Reflecting on Curriculum Renewal• You need a strong team – continuity is a key• Share the credit around – acknowledge supportive
colleagues wherever possible• Build on & nurture what’s already working well
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Reflecting on Curriculum Renewal• Respond to all feedback• Work to persuade the sceptics • Focus on the home front
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Reflecting on Curriculum Renewal• Value of administrative staff continuity• ‘Hitting the Wall’• Value in staying ahead of the field• Accept it wont all be perfect on Day One
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Reflecting on Curriculum Renewal
• University valuing innovation but also moving on to other priorities
• Change is uncomfortable• Forced change likely to be much worse
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Reflecting on Curriculum Renewal
• Relationship of core & elective programs– Sequencing is very important
• Assessment issues– Overassessment concerns – both students & staff– Student numbers
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Reflecting on Curriculum Renewal
• Skills teaching - a key issue to address– Likely area of staff resistance
– Need academic staff with expertise – often law schools don’t value such staff
– Time-consuming but vital to our students & the profession
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Reflecting on Curriculum Renewal
• Skills teaching - a key issue to address– Compromised by increased student numbers
– Have we been too ambitious?
– A loose fit rather than a straightjacket
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Systematic Curriculum Review
An ongoing process• Life sentence or life cycle?• We are happy to talk further• Professor Jeff Giddings• [email protected]