Teaching and Assessing Problem Solving: An Example of an Incremental Approach to Using IRAC in Legal Education

Kelley Burton

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Teaching and Assessing Problem Solving: An Example of an Incremental Approach to Using IRAC in Legal Education

Journal article

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Peer reviewed

Teaching and Assessing Problem Solving: An Example of an Incremental Approach to Using IRAC in Legal Education

Kelley Burton

Journal of University Teaching & Learning Practice, Vol.13(5), 20

2016

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Abstract

Education Systems

Curriculum and Pedagogy

problem solving

legal reasoning

thinking skills

IRAC

assessment

Legal reasoning is a type of problem solving, and is situated within thinking skills, one of the six threshold learning outcomes established under the auspices of the Australian Learning and Teaching Council's Bachelor of Laws Learning and Teaching Academic Standards Statement. The threshold learning outcomes define what law graduates are 'expected to know, understand and be able to do as a result of learning' (Kift et al., 2010, p. 9). The assessment of legal reasoning, and thus problem solving, should receive greater attention in legal education discourse (James, 2011, p. 15, James, 2012, p. 88). The dominant approach for problem-based questions in the discipline of law over the last 40 years is IRAC (issue, rule, application and conclusion). The acronym IRAC is not offensive and potentially instils a positive professional legal identity and is a studentcentred approach to problem solving. This journal article documents an incremental approach to IRAC in law where first year students answer a problem-based law question using a grid format before preparing a barrister's advice.

Details

Title: Teaching and Assessing Problem Solving: An Example of an Incremental Approach to Using IRAC in Legal Education
Authors: Kelley Burton (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Arts, Business and Law
Publication details: Journal of University Teaching & Learning Practice, Vol.13(5), 20; 18
Publisher: University of Wollongong, Centre for Educational Development and Interactive Resources
Date published: 2016
ISSN: 1449-9789
Organisation Unit: University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Law and Society; Sexual Violence Research and Prevention Unit; School of Law and Criminology - Legacy
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99451294402621
Output Type: Journal article

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