Abstract
The ‘Online and Blended Problem Based Learning Project’ (‘the Project’)
- seeks to create within the Faculty of Law the knowledge, skills and infrastructure needed to implement online problem based learning in undergraduate courses;
- relates to the University’s ·themes of eLearning, ‘Innovation and Design’ and ‘Internationalization at Home’;
- aims at providing a research-focused and student-focused mode of learning;
- equips students with the skills to work collaboratively and solve real world problems; and
- will begin with the offering, at least, of a new LLB elective (Issues in Property Law) (‘the pilot course’) in the 2018-19 academic year
The problem based learning (PBL) model is significantly different from conventional models of legal education in terms of delivery mode and lecture content in that students work collaboratively on real world problems. In our model, great emphasis is placed on the use of the online space for course delivery, student interaction and collaboration. This is unique in Hong Kong and in Asian legal education generally: no other law school has developed such a model and our innovation not only fulfils the University themes as stated above, but will be a significant intellectual and marketing success for the University.
Brief write-up
Project objectives
The problem based learning project aims at providing a research-focused and student-focused mode of learning, so as to equip students with the skills to work collaboratively and solve real world problems, beginning with a new LLB elective – Issues in Property Law in the 2018-19 academic year. Step by step, build up the knowledge, skills, and infrastructure needed to implement online problem based learning for undergraduate courses within the Faculty of Law.
Activities, process and outcomes
- Design and implementation of the pilot project : the Issues in Property Law elective in LLB programme
- Organization of PBL workshops and reading groups
- Recruitment and training of facilitators
- Production of 11 micro-modules as education materials for Issues in Property Law course
- Course evaluation with students through online survey and one on one interview with facilitators
Deliverables and evaluation
- 11 micro-modules on PBL pedagogy and Issues in Property Law lecture content are accessible on Youtube channel – TeachLearn Law .
- Student works can be found on the Issues in Property Law Blog (www.iiplhk.org).
- Blog posts on collaborative teaching and learning pedagogies can be found on the Faculty of Law’s Learning Matters Blog (www.learning.law.cuhk.edu.hk).
- Preliminary findings were presented at multiple international conferences
- Preliminary evaluation on student surveys and facilitator interviews reveals that the collaborative learning approach implemented in the Issues in Property Law course was welcomed by both parties, the benefit was mutual. Students expressed the view that they have learnt teamwork skill, research skill and presentation skill through this course.
Dissemination, diffusion, impact and sharing of good practices
The model set out here can be replicated or developed in many subjects. It develops students’ capacity for collaborative work, critical thought and research, writing and presentation skills. It makes use of experienced students as facilitators. The project leader has presented the project findings at the Faculty’s Teaching and Learning seminars, Learning Expo and international conferences. More details on this project will be presented at Faculty seminars and international conferences, project articles will be published on the Learning Matters Blog for public sharing.
