apologies for any x-posting
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Date sent: Fri, 14 Jun 2002 15:44:04 +0100
From: Andrew Scott <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: UKCLE Working Group on Problem-Based Learning
To: [log in to unmask]
Send reply to: Problem Based Learning <[log in to unmask]>
**Apologies for any cross-posting**
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Dear All
The potential value of problem-based learning (PBL) to legal curricula has
long attracted attention among forward-thinking educators. This is
reflected not least in the number and breadth of expressions of interest in
the concept to UKCLE. The approach appears to promise one sure route to the
attainment of such accepted (if somewhat nebulous) goals as
'student-centred' learning, 'research-led' teaching, and the promotion of
students' transferable skills. The immediate appeal is easy to understand.
In the British context, however, this is a promissory note as yet uncashed.
The attendees at a recent UKCLE workshop on PBL considered that, outside of
disparate programs of clinical legal education, the adoption of such methods
has generally been limited, or at least under-reported. Certainly, there is
no instance of curriculum-wide adoption that is seen elsewhere and in other
disciplines. In the absence of a readily accessible 'working model', much
prospective engagement is lost due to the appreciable energy and commitment
involved in recreating the wheel. This situation contrasts with other
disciplines - medicine, nursing, architecture - in which PBL is now
well-established.
In establishing a working group on PBL in law, the UKCLE is seeking to
address this position. First, it is intended that the UKCLE Internet site
can operate as an annotated gateway to good quality resources available
online from around the world (see
http://www.ukcle.ac.uk/resources/pbl.html). Secondly, it is hoped that the
site might also develop as a focal point for the reporting of practice and
sharing of expertise that exists currently and develops subsequently in the
area. Finally, it is intended that this email list will become a forum for
less formal discussion of relevant issues and for the dissemination of
details of forthcoming events.
In view of the second element of this prospectus, I would like to call on
the wider network of those interested in PBL in law, and ask that colleagues
bring forward any advice or teaching materials that they feel might help to
guide others in this regard. Materials associated with a pilot project on
PBL in law that is to run at UEA from October 2002 will be posted on the
site. Any equivalent materials, not least illustrative problems, would be
gratefully received. There is undoubtedly no single blueprint that can be
tailored to suit the infinite variety of teaching circumstances, however,
specific ideas and illustrations can enthuse and encourage others to wider
use.
Should you wish to discuss related matters further, or seek further details
on the UEA pilot, please feel free to contact me either directly or via this
email discussion list (see below).
Andrew Scott (co-ordinator)
**********************************************
Dr Andrew Scott
Lecturer in Law
Norwich Law School
University of East Anglia
Norwich NR4 7TJ
Phone: 01603 592525
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