Problem Solving Discussion During Lecture

Name: Sue Milne

As originally suggested by Professor Vicki Waye

Field or discipline: Law
Program: Bachelor of Law
Course: Contract Law
Year level: 1
Class size: 30-80
Activity type: Problem solving discussion during lecture
Aim: Learning the principles, graduate qualities, problems solving skills, team work

Description: Mid-lecture, after discussion of a substantive topic, students are put into small groups (between 4 and 5 students) and given a set of problem scenarios. The lecturer moves between groups to facilitate discussions if required and when groups are faced with a similar difficulty, bring the discussion back to the whole class for a time, and then continue with problem in small groups.

Application: Often each group has a leader who dominates the discussion. This person however is usually articulate and has good problem solving skills. Therefore, they do provide another point of learning for other students in the group. Group dynamics need to be monitored.