The UFS aims to produce graduates that are equipped with digital literacy skills needed for the 21st century work environment. This goal is also a crucial objective if you consider the future of the broader legal industry. Reflect on your lived experiences as a first-year university student and prepare a short presentation on the following questions:
1.Which instructional approach would you recommend teaching first-year LLB students?
2.When deciding on your instructional approach, which learning theory did you have in mind? Explain why.
3.Explain how your chosen learning approach is appropriate for the level of skills and learning styles of first-year LLB students. For example, which learning activities and assessments methods would you recommend and why?
1. As a first-year university student in the LLB program, I would recommend a blended learning approach for teaching first-year LLB students. This approach combines traditional face-to-face instruction with online learning activities, providing a more interactive and engaging learning experience for students.
2. When deciding on the instructional approach, I had the constructivist learning theory in mind. Constructivism emphasizes the importance of active learning, collaboration, and critical thinking skills development. By incorporating elements of constructivist theory in the instructional approach, students are encouraged to construct their understanding of legal concepts through hands-on activities, group discussions, and real-world applications.
3. The blended learning approach is appropriate for first-year LLB students as it caters to a variety of learning styles and skill levels. For example, incorporating online learning activities such as interactive quizzes, discussion forums, and virtual simulations can help students develop digital literacy skills while also reinforcing legal concepts. In addition, using a combination of group projects, case studies, and problem-solving activities can enhance critical thinking skills and encourage collaboration among students.
For assessments, I would recommend a mix of formative and summative assessments to provide students with ongoing feedback on their progress. Formative assessments such as quizzes, peer reviews, and reflection exercises can help students track their understanding of legal concepts and identify areas for improvement. Summative assessments such as research papers, presentations, and exams can evaluate students' overall understanding and application of legal principles. By incorporating a variety of learning activities and assessment methods, the blended learning approach can effectively prepare first-year LLB students for the 21st-century work environment and the future of the legal industry.