LAW37630 Mooting in the Classroom

Academic Year 2020/2021

This module aims to guide students in developing and assisting teachers in DEIS schools at primary level to train children to participate in a mock trial in their classroom as barristers, solicitors, defendants, judges, jury etc. The module is part of the Pathways to the Professions collaboration between UCD Access & Lifelong Learning and 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 undertake 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 teachers to prepare them for conducting the mock trial. (Please note that owing to the restrictions on physical access to schools necessitated by Covid-19, interaction between the module coordinator, students, teachers in participating schools will take place online).

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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
Specified Learning Activities

12
Autonomous Student Learning

85
Online Learning

12
Total

109
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
This is a clinical module involving a combination of teaching and learning strategies. These will include preparatory online 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
Presentation: End of trimester group presentation. Coursework (End of Trimester) n/a Graded No

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

20
Journal: Learning Journal (1000) words. Varies over the Trimester n/a Graded No

60

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

• Feedback individually to students, on an activity or draft prior to summative assessment
• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Peer review activities

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Feedback individually to students, on learning journal - Group/class feedback on group projects at the end of the semester - Peer review activities on attendance and class participation