The effectiveness of innovative modes of delivery

Abstract

The School of Legal Studies has, since the mid 1990’s, been using a variety of different and innovative teaching and learning strategies in a number of areas in its portfolio. Of particular interest so far as this project was concerned is the range of modules in the undergraduate and postgraduate provision that have been supported by the use of CD ROMs, floppy disks and the internet. In line with the School’s long-term plan to turn over the LLB by Distance Learning degree to electronic delivery, and the shorter term aim to encourage the wider use of such delivery in campus-based modules, the authors wished to discover whether the innovations in teaching and learning mentioned above, especially in relation to electronic delivery, are being effective. The object of the research was to investigate the ways in which students learn and whether electronic delivery improves a student’s performance as compared to more traditional teaching and learning approaches. The authors also wished to ask questions about whether electronic delivery favours particular learning styles or whether students adapt their learning styles to the mode of delivery, and hoped to learn more about the extent to which students adopt ‘strategic’ approaches to their learning. It was also hoped to discover whether electronic delivery assists in developing ‘deep’ rather than ‘surface’ learning. The outcomes of this investigation will inform decisions about future innovations in the development of technologically supported teaching and learning materials. It will also inform decisions relating to the Teaching and Learning Strategy of the School.