Designing and Teaching Effective Law Courses: Pedagogical Training for Legal Academics
The third round of “Designing and Teaching Effective Law Courses: Pedagogical Training for Legal Academics” concluded recently, organized by the Shaikh Ahmad Hassan School of Law (SAHSOL) and the LUMS Learning Institute, in collaboration with the Directorate of Legal Education, Pakistan Bar Council and co-sponsored by the Law and Justice Commission of Pakistan.
The workshop aimed to enhance legal education by integrating innovative teaching methodologies and research practices. Discussions were led by SAHSOL faculty Ms. Zehra Zaidi, Visiting Assistant Professor at SAHSOL, Dr. Sheharyar S. Hamid, Assistant Professor at SAHSOL, Dr. Faiza Ismail, Assistant Professor at SAHSOL, and Dr. Adnan Sattar, Assistant Professor at SAHSOL. They emphasized the importance of integrating research into teaching methodologies and fostering critical thinking skills among students.
Dr. Sheharyar S. Hamid remarked, “Research is not just an academic exercise but a tool to enhance teaching and learning in profound ways.” Topics ranged from introducing the FIRAC (Facts, Issue, Rule, Application, Conclusion) method to applying it in commercial law, using documentaries to explore real-life legal cases, and leveraging technology such as AI in legal education. Ms. Anousheh Attique, Program Specialist at LUMS Learning Institute, and Ms. Rehana Kazi, Program Specialist at LUMS Learning Institute, facilitated sessions on active learning strategies and AI integration, respectively.
Ms. Zehra Zaidi highlighted the workshop's practical aspects, saying, “Easing students' fear of fact pattern questions with bite-sized formative assessments and promoting concept mapping can significantly improve learning outcomes.”
The workshop concluded with a ceremony featuring prominent figures in legal education and the judiciary. Dr. Sadaf Aziz, Dean of SAHSOL, stressed the need for long-term partnerships to promote legal scholarship, while Dr. Tariq Jadoon, Pro-Chancellor of LUMS, emphasized the role of education in advancing law and justice. The Honourable Chief Guest, Justice Baqar Ali Najfi of the Lahore High Court, highlighted the importance of incorporating technology into the judicial system and ongoing judicial education.
Dr. Shahid Munir, Chairman of the Punjab Higher Education Commission, remarked, “Judges should be having such sessions for their development as well and they should be taught via self-paced learning programs or online resources.”
Notable remarks included Mr. Hassan Raza Pasha and Mr. Syed Amjad Shah, Members of the Pakistan Bar Council, emphasizing the continuous educational needs of law professionals, and Mr. Usama Malik, Vice Chancellor of LUMS, discussing the importance of global linkages in legal academia.
One participant, Prof. Dr. Sami Ur Rahman, Dean & Faculty of Law at Green International University, shared, “What I have learnt from these 3 days was not learnt in my career of 16 years. I would recommend this workshop to everyone in legal academia.”
The event underscored a collective commitment to advancing legal education through modern technology and innovative teaching methods, promising a transformative impact on legal education in Pakistan. Future sessions will continue to build on these foundations, ensuring an enriching experience for all participants.
