In my journey as a lecturer, I had the honor of being recognized as a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA) in the United Kingdom in 2022. This acknowledgment represents my ongoing dedication to exploring innovative teaching methods and my modest contributions to higher education.
Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to play a role in shaping hybrid learning courses at respected universities. While I am grateful for this opportunity to make a small impact on educational quality. However, I recognize that there is always more to learn and improve upon.
Recently, I had the opportunity of completing a postgraduate diploma in higher education (PGDipHE), an experience that undoubtedly deepened my understanding of effective teaching practices. This journey has underscored the importance of continuous growth and reflection in my role as a law lecturer.
In my classroom, a guiding principle shapes each session: "I do teach law; but I teach law differently." This mantra underpins my pedagogical approach, which prioritizes student-centered and inquiry-based learning methodologies, diverging from traditional teacher-led instruction.
The efficacy of the student-centered approach is particularly evident in Year 1 and, to some extent, Year 2 cohorts. Here, students engage in a dynamic learning environment where they grapple with fictional case scenarios, fostering critical thinking and analytical skills.
As students progress into Year 2, Year 3, and postgraduate studies, they encounter inquiry-based learning, building upon the foundation of student-centric methods. Encouraged to explore course materials independently, they confront legal challenges armed with knowledge, tasked with formulating responses unaided.
In this landscape, I assume the role of facilitator, providing guidance as needed but ultimately empowering students to navigate their educational journey independently. Through mutual exchange of knowledge and inquiry, my classroom becomes a crucible for developing legal acumen, preparing students for challenges beyond academia.
Simulations presented as case scenarios are integral to my instructional approach, falling under the umbrella of experiential learning, especially crucial in online education. Recognizing the challenges of remote instruction, I prioritize strategies to sustain student engagement in virtual settings, with case scenarios serving as valuable tools for enhancing comprehension.
At the heart of my teaching paradigm lies a commitment to experiential learning, aiming to bridge the gap between theory and practice, encouraging deep learning over surface methodologies. Students actively engage in legal inquiry, applying their knowledge to real-life or hypothetical case scenarios.
Within the classroom, theory and practice intertwine, enriching each other in a symbiotic relationship. Through deliberate integration of experiential learning techniques and thoughtful selection of instructional materials, my goal is to foster genuine understanding and mastery, transcending mere memorization.
Embedded within my pedagogical approach is a deliberate use of legal drafting, strategically employed to combat surface learning methodologies. Understanding the limitations of traditional essay questions in fostering deep comprehension, I encourage students to embrace legal drafting—specifically, crafting advice and opinions—as a powerful educational tool.
Departing from conventional essay formats and integrating legal drafting exercises, I create an environment where students engage with course material on a deeper level. This shift requires the synthesis and application of legal principles in practical contexts, moving beyond mere memorization of facts. Through drafting exercises, students refine their analytical skills, navigating complex legal analyses to develop a comprehensive understanding of the law.
In my classroom, legal drafting transcends its role as a mere instructional tool; it serves as a guiding force, leading students towards a deeper understanding of the law. Through its transformative impact, I strive to cultivate not just legal practitioners, but individuals equipped with the intellectual resilience to navigate legal complexities with wisdom and discernment.
At the core of my educational philosophy lies a steadfast commitment to a holistic approach in legal education, extending beyond mere knowledge acquisition to encompass a broad spectrum of skills and competencies essential for success in the legal profession. Understanding that contemporary legal practice demands more than rote memorization of statutes and case law, I strive to nurture in students a nuanced understanding of the law alongside critical thinking, oral communication, and collaborative teamwork skills.
In my classroom, the pursuit of legal mastery transcends passive information absorption; it unfolds as a dynamic journey of exploration and discovery. Immersive learning experiences challenge students to engage comprehensively with legal concepts. For example, I frequently incorporate law riddles—complex case scenarios compelling students to analyze, synthesize information, navigate ethical dilemmas, and articulate their reasoning in group discussions and debates.
By embracing this holistic approach, I equip students with the tools necessary to thrive in an evolving legal landscape. Beyond imparting knowledge, my pedagogy fosters intellectual curiosity, ethical reasoning, and innovative problem-solving—a foundation for effective legal practitioners. In my classroom, the pursuit of legal excellence is a transformative journey, empowering students to become agents of positive change in their communities and beyond.
Embedded within my instructional methodology is a commitment to seamless education—a philosophy aimed at breaking down barriers and fostering continuity between traditional face-to-face instruction and online learning environments. Drawing upon a carefully crafted technique, I ensure a smooth transition between these modalities, eliminating any gaps or discrepancies that might hinder the flow of learning.
At the core of this seamless education approach lies the strategic use of interactive slides—a dynamic tool crafted to captivate students' attention and maintain a focused engagement with instructional content. By harnessing the power of interactive slides, I orchestrate an immersive learning experience where students are fully engaged, their attention directed to the screen and their focus on the tutor's guidance.
The integration of interactive slides acts as a bridge between conventional classroom instruction and online learning sessions, facilitating a seamless transition between the two. With this innovative approach, I ensure that the momentum of learning remains uninterrupted, allowing for the seamless continuation of lessons even when transitioning between face-to-face and online formats. Thus, as the physical classroom session concludes, the learning journey seamlessly transitions to the digital realm, with students seamlessly picking up where they left off, maintaining focus and direction.
In my classroom, the distinction between physical and virtual learning spaces blurs, creating a cohesive educational experience that transcends traditional instructional formats. Through the careful application of seamless education techniques, I not only enhance the accessibility of legal education but also empower students to navigate the complexities of the legal landscape confidently and adeptly, irrespective of the instructional medium.
My instructional methodology reflects an unwavering commitment to evidence-based practices, underscored by compelling results derived from rigorous assessment and evaluation processes.
My research has unveiled a significant disparity in outcomes between the Student-Centric approach utilized in Class 2021 and the subsequent implementation of the Inquiry-Based Learning (IBL) approach in Class 2022—a discovery with profound implications for the landscape of legal education.
Data from Class 2021, employing the Student-Centric approach, reveals that 43% of students received an "A" grade, 26% received a "B" grade, 24% received a "C" grade, and 7% received a "D" grade. While these results may appear respectable initially, my analysis uncovered underlying deficiencies in the efficacy of the Student-Centric approach, particularly in fostering deep understanding and mastery of legal concepts.
However, my decision to transition to the Inquiry-Based Learning (IBL) approach in Class 2022 yielded remarkable outcomes. An astounding 79% of students achieved an "A" grade, marking a substantial improvement over the previous year's performance. Furthermore, 18% of students received a "B" grade, while only 3% received a "C" grade—a testament to the transformative impact of inquiry-driven pedagogies in promoting deep comprehension and academic excellence.
This stark contrast in the outcomes of the two instructional approaches serves as a call to action for educators and policymakers alike, emphasizing the importance of embracing evidence-based pedagogical strategies. My research not only validates the effectiveness of the IBL approach but also highlights the significance of continuous improvement and innovation in shaping educational practices.
My commitment to student-centered education extends beyond academic performance to encompass students' satisfaction and engagement—a critical aspect of the educational experience. Through careful observation and analysis, I've gained valuable insights into students' preferences regarding instructional methodologies, shedding light on their attitudes towards student-centric and inquiry-based learning approaches.
Data collected on undergraduate students' satisfaction reveals intriguing findings: a majority of 54% express a preference for the student-centric approach. This preference is attributed to the perceived benefits of receiving information in class—a form of "semi-spoon feeding"—followed by the opportunity to engage in active assimilation by answering questions based on the provided information. For many students, this approach offers a sense of guidance and structure, facilitating comprehension and retention of course material.
In contrast, 39% of students indicate a preference for the inquiry-based learning approach. This group values the emphasis on self-directed learning inherent in this methodology, where students independently engage with course materials before class sessions. In the classroom, students then apply their assimilated knowledge to answer questions—an exercise that fosters critical thinking and deeper understanding. While demanding greater autonomy and self-motivation, the inquiry-based approach resonates with students seeking to cultivate independent learning skills and intellectual autonomy.
Interestingly, 7% of students remain neutral in their preferences, suggesting a degree of ambivalence or perhaps an openness to both instructional approaches. This subset of students may value the diversity of experiences offered by each methodology and may be receptive to adapting their learning strategies based on the context and demands of a given course.
My nuanced understanding of students' satisfaction underscores the importance of tailoring instructional methodologies to meet the diverse needs and preferences of learners. By embracing a student-centered approach that values student input and feedback, I foster an educational environment that prioritizes student engagement, satisfaction, and ultimately, academic success.
My dedication to fostering a satisfying and enriching educational experience extends beyond undergraduate studies to encompass the unique needs and preferences of postgraduate students. Through attentive observation and engagement, I have discerned valuable insights into the preferences of postgraduate students regarding instructional methodologies, particularly focusing on the inquiry-based learning approach and the student-centric approach.
The data collected on postgraduate students' satisfaction reveals a clear preference, with a resounding 66% expressing a preference for the inquiry-based learning method. This inclination is rooted in the postgraduate cohort's propensity for self-directed learning, often characterized by pre-reading course materials before class sessions. Equipped with a robust foundation in legal knowledge and a keen awareness of legislative amendments, postgraduate students are adept at navigating complex legal texts and are well-prepared to engage in in-depth discussions during class.
Conversely, 30% of postgraduate students indicate a preference for the student-centric approach. While a smaller proportion, this cohort values the structured guidance provided by the instructor and the opportunity for active participation and engagement facilitated by this methodology. For some postgraduate students, the student-centric approach may offer a sense of familiarity and comfort, particularly if they have previously experienced success with this instructional model.
A minority of postgraduate students, comprising 4%, remain neutral in their preferences, suggesting a willingness to adapt their learning strategies based on the context and demands of a given course. This segment of students may value the flexibility afforded by both instructional approaches and may be open to exploring new methodologies to enhance their learning experience.
My keen understanding of postgraduate students' satisfaction underscores the importance of tailoring instructional methodologies to meet the unique needs and preferences of this discerning cohort. By providing a supportive and adaptive learning environment that accommodates diverse learning styles, I ensure that postgraduate students are empowered to thrive academically and professionally in the dynamic field of law.
I have had the privilege of developing several courses for both undergraduate and postgraduate levels in Seychelles and Mauritius, primarily centered on civil topics. Recently, I also contributed to the development of postgraduate modules in Mauritius.
My courses are meticulously designed with a hybrid learning approach, aiming to seamlessly integrate traditional classroom instruction with online learning modalities. The materials provided include self-assessment study components, empowering students to evaluate their own progress and take ownership of their learning journey.
Seychelles
Introduction to Seychellois Law
Law of Persons and Family
Delicts
Jurisprudence
Law of Contracts
Mauritius
Company Law
Mauritius
Corporate Law and Restructuring
International Contract Law
Comparative Tax Law
Litigation and Alternative Dispute Resolution
Corporate Governance and Compliance