LAW37630 Law in the Classroom

Academic Year 2023/2024

This module is available by invitation only. In order to apply to register for this module, please submit the Google form available at https://forms.gle/GrNvr8C4gqTJ7zdp6.

This module aims to guide students to prepare children in DEIS schools at primary level to participate in a mock trial in their classroom as barristers, solicitors, defendants, judges, jury etc. The module is part of a collaboration between UCD Access & Lifelong Learning and the UCD Sutherland Opportunity supported by Mason Hayes & Curran and Think Ireland which is aimed at diversifying the legal profession in terms of individuals with diverse backgrounds, needs and abilities. The overall goal of the module will be for law students to be role models and active participants in demystifying law and the legal profession for children in DEIS schools and building their confidence to consider undertaking a degree in law. The module will commence with a series of lead-in classes between the module coordinator and participating law students on the theoretical underpinnings of the module; the fundamentals involved in running a successful educational mock trial and appropriate teaching methodologies for engaging with children in the classroom. Thereafter, students will work in pairs or in groups in preparing materials as well as engaging in a series of sessions with the children and their teachers to prepare them for conducting the mock trial.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
• Critically reflect on issues and challenges in diversifying access to the legal profession and the legal system in society and the role of law in educating young children
• Understand teaching and learning processes relevant to the education of young children;
• Extend their knowledge of and communicate clearly key concepts of law and the trial procedure that will be accessible to young children;
• Assist in preparing and implementing a mock trial programme including through engagement with teachers;
• Act ethically and appropriately at all times; manage time effectively; be able to demonstrate interpersonal skills and competence in teamwork and interpersonal communication.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

12
Specified Learning Activities

12
Autonomous Student Learning

85
Total

109
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
This is a clinical module involving a combination of teaching and learning strategies. These will include preparatory classes featuring active learning methods; peer and group work to prepare the mock trial for roll-out in schools and an in-class presentation; individual reflective learning by way of the learning journal component; and task-based learning through interaction with teachers in primary schools. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Journal: Learning Journal (1000) words. Varies over the Trimester n/a Graded No

50
Presentation: End of trimester group presentation. Week 12 n/a Graded No

20
Group Project: Preparation of materials for mock-trial and interaction with children and their teachers in schools. Varies over the Trimester n/a Graded No

30

Carry forward of passed components
No
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Autumn No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Group/class feedback on group projects throughout and at the end of the semester Group feedback on learning journals at the end of the semester

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
 
Spring
      
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 Fri 14:00 - 15:50