THE LAW FACULTY’S WISE WORDS OF WISDOM

DR PETA STEPHENSON

LLB107 UNIT COORDINATOR

BRIDGET LEWIS

LLB104 UNIT COORDINATOR

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY ABOUT TEACHING FIRST YEAR STUDENTS IN YOUR UNIT?

I like teaching all law students! Having said that, I really like teaching first year students in LLB107 Statutory Interpretation about our institutions of government and the principles that govern the exercise of public power in Australia.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO FIRST YEAR STUDENTS FOR MANAGING ONLINE LEARNING?

Try not to leave everything until the last minute. There is a lot of content in first year, and it can be overwhelming if you fall behind. It helps to be organised. Set aside time each week to work through your learning activities and readings. This will also give you the opportunity to ask questions of your lecturer or tutor if there is anything that you do not understand. WHAT ARE THE NEW CHALLENGES YOU HAVE SEEN FIRST YEAR LAW STUDENTS FACING OVER THE PAST YEAR?

It can be hard to feel connected to your class and your teachers if you're not seeing them in person, and some students can find online learning quite a lonely place. It's important to take advantage of the opportunities to engage with other people, not just within your units but also in extra-curricular activities - it will make your university experience so much richer.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO FIRST YEAR STUDENTS FOR MANAGING ONLINE LEARNING?

You've got a lot of flexibility in terms of when you listen to recordings, take quizzes, contribute to online discussions and so on. Try to create a routine for yourself to make sure you keep up with the materials each week. If you're doing your tutorials in an online class, get involved as much as you can. If possible, turn your camera on so your tutor and classmates can get to you know you, do the preparation so you feel confident speaking up, and don't be afraid to ask questions.

THE LAW FACULTY’S WISE WORDS OF WISDOM

JOHN O’BRIEN

LLB101 & LLB245 UNIT LECTURER, PEER PROGRAMS COORDINATOR

KATIE WOOLASTON

LECTURER

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO FIRST YEAR STUDENTS FOR MANAGING ONLINE LEARNING?

Nothing too different than for face-to-face learning: the key is commitment and preparation. Perhaps online learning might not appear to have the same sort of ‘accountability’ that sitting in a classroom has - so maybe it’s easier to put off watching a recording or to be unprepared for a tutorial? But I hope that’s not true. I think staff are going to continue to refine their online teaching approaches, so hopefully it loses any perception (if there is one) of being a more passive option. Commit to a set time each week for listening to recordings, doing readings, etc. Prepare for and participate in tutorials.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY ABOUT TEACHING FIRST YEAR STUDENTS IN YOUR UNIT?

I really enjoy teaching first-years; like anything, it has its challenges, but I don’t think I would ever leave it. In particular, I like teaching the foundational concepts - things that set you up to be an informed citizen, regardless of whether you ever end up practising law. I also like that first-years tend to be the most eager to learn new things and to get involved. They turn up. They participate (sometimes). There’s an energy and excitement about starting the degree. They listen to all my tangential stories, even the ones that don’t go anywhere. Like the time I parked my car at Shoe Lane Parking; I tied a carbolic smoke ball to my belt, which was the style at time... IF YOU WERE BACK AT UNI NOW, WHAT WOULD YOU DO DIFFERENTLY? Nothing! I loved every minute of it (even admin and constitutional law)! Remember to enjoy the experience and be kind to yourself – you have already achieved so much just by being here!

WHAT ARE THE NEW CHALLENGES YOU HAVE SEEN FIRST YEAR LAW STUDENTS FACING OVER THE PAST YEAR?

Many students felt like they were left alone drowning in a black hole because of the online format. Don’t assume that we are absent because you can’t see us face to face. We are still here, working harder than ever, and happy to chat and help you through, you just need to reach out!