Synthesising Graduate Qualities in the LLB Curriculum Assessment, outcomes and the “ethically informed” graduate John Littrich, Lecturer, Faculty of Law

The Project 2007 - 5 UOW Graduate Qualities replace 9 Graduate Attributes. Each faculty to formulate faculty Graduate Qualities by July 2008. Project will: (a) formulate these qualities and (b) review assessment across LLB to ensure assessment aligned with outcomes that reflect/project the Graduate Qualities

The UOW Graduate Qualities UOW is committed to developing graduates who are: - Informed - Independent Learners - Problem Solvers - Effective Communicators - Responsible

Responsible Understand how decisions can effect others and make ethically informed choices. Appreciate and respect diversity. Act with integrity as part of local, national, global and professional community.

Responsible Descriptor has a number of elements: - “ethically informed” “Appreciate and respect diversity”. “Act with integrity…part of local, national, global and professional community”. Ethics, values, professional responsibility.

How can we teach these things/design assessment that will project them? “Ethics” subject. Experiential learning – placement, authentic simulation. Reflection – report/journal. Integration of ethical issues across doctrinal and skills subjects. Ethics as part of competence and professional responsibility

Ethics and professional responsibility. Ethics and competence. Problem solving, operating effectively in workplace. Asset to workplace Risk avoidance – for graduate and employer.

Positives An area of learning about THEM that impacts on THEM now and in practice. Activities that promote interaction with each other – valuable for practice. Real collaborative opportunities for academic staff.

Challenges Designing assessment that’s engaging and authentic with limited resources. Integration into doctrinal subjects. Fostering the “social good”, “community service” aspect of professional responsibility: job for the profession or university? How to design authentic experiences for this?

Filling the gaps