1. Implementing Systematic Curriculum Renewal Professor Jeff Giddings Griffith Law School Brisbane Australia

2. School of Law 2 Introduction Systematic Curriculum Renewal –The process is important –Implementation is the hardest part –What to expect –Reflections –Expanded version on Conference USB stick

3. School of Law 3 Introduction Systematic Curriculum Renewal Understanding & managing expectations Our students Our universities – work-integrated learning, internationalisation The profession – contrary relationship The admission authorities – content focus

4. School of Law 4 Griffith Curriculum Review – Process Conducted over 18 months Substantial committee – choose carefully Consultative approach Focus on limiting workloads where possible

5. School of Law 5 Griffith Curriculum Review – Process Consultations with students Consultations with members of the profession

6. School of Law 6 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

7. School of Law 7 Griffith Curriculum Review – Outcomes More effective order & structure of core courses New compulsory courses –Legal Research –Legal Writing –Transnational Law

8. School of Law 8 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

9. School of Law 9 Griffith Curriculum Review – Outcomes Vertical Subjects –Linked coverage – building from year to year –Assessment items in core courses

10. School of Law 10 Example - Negotiation Property 3 Simulated negotiation then de-brief Class discuss outcomes & process Practice leading to working knowledge, effective decision- making, understand need to keep learning Property 2 Preparation process Client interests, strategy choice & Ethical dimensions, Context, strategy, structure Contract Intro readings Class discussion Video ethical dimensionsUnderstanding of process & its importance

11. School of Law 11 Implementing the Review 4 year process plus evaluation Law School endorsement University endorsement Professional accreditation You need to keep your Committee going

12. School of Law 12 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

13. School of Law 13 Implementing the Review 4 year process plus evaluation Evaluation strategy Vertical subject assessment The hardest part of the process

14. School of Law 14 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

15. School of Law 15 Reflecting on Curriculum Renewal Not as easy as it might seem Expect the unexpected Need leadership continuity –Dean –Committee

16. School of Law 16 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

17. School of Law 17 Reflecting on Curriculum Renewal Respond to all feedback Work to persuade the sceptics Focus on the home front

18. School of Law 18 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

19. School of Law 19 Reflecting on Curriculum Renewal University valuing innovation but also moving on to other priorities Change is uncomfortable Forced change likely to be much worse

20. School of Law 20 Reflecting on Curriculum Renewal Relationship of core & elective programs –Sequencing is very important Assessment issues –Overassessment concerns – both students & staff –Student numbers

21. School of Law 21 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

22. School of Law 22 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

23. School of Law 23 Systematic Curriculum Review An ongoing process Life sentence or life cycle? We are happy to talk further Professor Jeff Giddings J.Giddings@griffith.edu.au