Pedagogy

Pedagogy

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The Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law, Punjab proffers an exceptional curriculum for Undergraduate/Postgraduate Programmes, B.A.LL.B.(Hons.) FYIC/LL.M. (One Year), and adopts an effective pedagogy to empower learners with legal knowledge. An array of core and optional subjects collectively provide fundamentals for holistic understanding of the laws. While students acquire knowledge through skill based activities, legal research and project work, innovative pedagogical methods enhance their legal reasoning and problem solving competence.The improvisation of these novel instructional strategies addresses the multiple dimensions of education and the gaps in learning.

The interdisciplinary study of law complements legal education, expands the canvas of teaching/learning and connects diverse disciplines for better comprehension of legal concepts. The incorporation of Law Practicum Series bridges the gap between abstract classroom learning and skills required for legal practice. It enables students to focus on specialized legal fields under the supervision of attorneys.The integration of advanced new pedagogic techniques reinforces learning and enhances the performance of learners to equate with the dynamic demands of legal services. These practices also broaden legal acumen of students to encounter the challenges of emerging disruptive technology and augmented reality in the digital times.

Various new initiatives in pedagogy at RGNUL transcend the traditional methods of teaching - Socratic Method, Case Study, Simulation, Symposium and Seminars. In furtherance of academic interest and development of students, following new initiatives have been subsumed:

  • 1. Interdisciplinary Teaching

    In order to expand the canvas of the teaching and to drift away from the conventional scheme of teaching a new methodology of teaching has been introduced from the session 2021-22, which would emphasize upon the convergence of interdisciplinary interests into the teaching of various laws and social science subjects in the University. This interdisciplinary method of teaching will make teaching and learning process more effective and interesting. This scheme shall be applicable for both B.A. LL.B (Hons.) FYIC (Undergraduate Course) and One year LL.M (Postgraduate) Course.

    Following Interdisciplinary approach, all the Law and Social Sciences teachers will contribute to the teaching of certain topics related to their area of expertise and interest. Initially, it is proposed to have the number of such lectures by the Guest Teacher to remain upto 20 in a semester under the RGNUL Scheme of Study, which may be revised with the approval of the competent authority.

  • 2. Law Practicum Series

    In order to intensify Legal Practice aspect in the teaching curriculum of our University, anew and innovative methodology of teaching in the form of Law Practicum Series has been introduced from the current session. In this new scheme, Practical aspect of the law subjects will be taught to the students along with the theoretical base of the subject. A definite component pertaining to Practical aspect of the respective subject will be earmarked in the form of OneModuleof that subject, which will be equivalent to 15-20 hours teaching/training.To deliver this Unit, one or more law practitioners i.e., practitioner lawyers or retired judges will be invited to deal with this practicum series/component. The students will be evaluated suitably for their performance of this Law Practicum Series and will be provided a Certificate like Criminal Law Practicum Course Certificate.


  • 3. RGNUL Student Academic Assistance and Support Policy (RSAASP)
    Objective

    RGNUL Student Academic Assistance and Support Policy (RSAASP) offers an opportunity for the academic growth of the students. The aim of RSAASP is to enhance the efficacy of the learning environment for students from diverse educational background. RSAASP is assisted by committees comprising faculty and student assistants. RSAASP encompasses a broad array of academic activities- access to support for resolving academic queries, acquaintance with the contours and requirements of the course, extra-tutorial assistance, comprehension of Project Work, aid for non-English medium/language related issues, guidance for research and practical exposure/training-throughout the five-year B.A.LL.B.(Hons.) Programme. The Policy reflects the collaborative spirit at RGNUL as student faculty coordinate for the management of activities. RSAASP ensures productive assistance to new students, facilitates initial transition to University studies, encourages inter-batch association and extends another avenue of learning in integration with the classroom environment.

    Overview and Scope

    1. RGNUL Student Academic Assistance and Support Policy (RSAASP) (hereinafter referred to as Policy) shall commence from Academic Session 2021-22.

    2. Policy shall be reviewed, revised and updated annually or at such intervals as may be deemed necessary.

    3. Competent authorities of the University shall notify the list of subjects, for which academic assistance would be offered under the Policy, prior to commencement of the semester.

    4. Students enrolled at RGNUL shall have the right to seek academic assistance and support in accordance with and subject to the terms of this policy.

    Definition of Terms

    5. The words and phrases used in this Policy shall mean as follows unless a contrary intention appears from the context:

    • ‘Academic Assistance and Support’ means academic assistance for drafting of projects/assignments and classroom support for clarifying the academic doubts related to the concerned subject for which academic assistance and support is being offered;
    • ‘Academic Assistance Committee’ refers to a committee of faculty members nominated by the Vice-Chancellor from time to time for the implementation of the Policy and for coordination of various activities under the Policy;
    • ‘Academic Committee’ include a committee of students constituted by RGNUL from time to time;
    • ‘Competent Authority’ denotes the Vice-Chancellor, Registrar and other authorities/committees of the University as would be notified from time to time;
    • RGNUL Regulations include Regulations framed by the competent bodies of the University and all rules in force at the relevant time.
    • ‘Student Assistant’ means and includes students of fourth and fifth year of B.A.LL.B.(Hons.) Course selected in accordance with the procedure laid down in the Policy;
    • ‘Student Assistant Evaluation Report’ means the report prepared on the basis of feedback regarding the performance of the Student Assistant obtained from the students on anonymous basis in such manner as may be prescribed from time to time;
    • ‘Subject’ entails various law and social sciences subjects except the seminar course, offered under the RGNUL Scheme of Study to B.A.LL.B.(Hons.) I-IV; except the Seminar Course.
    • ‘Subject Teacher’ means the faculty member(s) assigned to teach the concerned subject for which Academic assistance is to be offered;
    • ‘University’ implies The Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law, Punjab established by Punjab Act No. 12 of 2006;

    Constitution of Committees

    6. Academic Assistance Committee shall be constituted for each academic year or for each semester, as the case may be. Members of Academic Assistance Committee shall be nominated by the Vice-Chancellor from amongst faculty members on the roll of the University.

    7. Academic Committee shall be constituted for each academic year or semester, as the case may be, from amongst the students nominated by the Vice-Chancellor and/or Registrar.

    Selection Process of Student Assistant

    8. The selection process for Student Assistant shall be initiated through call for applications by competent authorities of the University in consultation with the Subject Teacher and the Academic Assistance Committee.

    9. Students of fourth and fifth year of B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) Course shall be eligible to apply for the post of Student Assistant.

    10. Eligible students can apply within the stipulated time (prescribed by competent authority from time to time) for a maximum of three subjects.

    11. Subject Teacher and Academic Assistance Committee shall scrutinize the applications and determine the selection criteria for each subject as follows:

    • Marks/Grades in the concerned subject;
    • Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) till the latest semester for which results have been declared;
    • Curriculum Vitae (CV);
    • Interview by the subject teachers;
    • Such other criteria as may be determined from time to time.

    12. Subject Teacher shall forward his/her recommendation and choice ofcandidate to the Academic Assistance Committee.The Committee in consultation with competent authorities shall consolidate and finalize subject-wise list of selected Student Assistant along withwaitlisted students. List of students selected as Student Assistants for various subjects shall be notified preferably before the commencement of each semester.

    13. In case student assistant fails to perform his/her duties or forfeits his/her right to be the Student Assistant or in the event of resignation/removal etc., students in waiting list for the concerned subject would be selected as Student Assistant for the remainder of the semester.

    Duties of the Student Assistant

    The selected Student Assistant shall perform duties persistently and intently.The duties of Student Assistant are enlisted below:

    14. Duties of Student Assistant shall be as under

    • To conduct classes in coordination with the subject teacher as required from time to time.
    • To provide Project assistance in consultation and coordination with the subject teacher.
    • To attend regular/scheduled classes subject to any specific academic duties which may be assigned by the subject teacher in compliance with the terms of this Policy.
    • To consult the subject teacher in advance for conducting classes and submit teaching notes/power-point presentations to theconcerned teacher beforehand.
    • To continuously interact with students and subject teacher for conducting/organizing doubt-clearing sessions in consultation with the subject teacher.
    • To discuss previous year question papers/sample papers, if required.
    • To perform such other duties/tasks relating to academic assistance and support as could be assigned by the Academic Assistance Committee and/or subject teacher from time to time.
    • To perform duties diligently and to the best of ability.
    • To be respectful towards faculty and the students.
    • To refrain from indulging in any activity prohibited under this Policy and/or University regulations.

    Prohibitions

    15. Student Assistant shall not be permitted/compelled to perform any of the following acts/tasks:

    • Helping the subject teacher in formulating preparing question papers;
    • Assisting in the evaluation of answer scripts of mid-term/final examinations;
    • Assisting in the evaluation of projects submitted by the students;
    • Providingindependent consultation on project/seminar topics. However, assisting students in comprehending suggestions given by experts/subject teachers and/or helping in structuring/argumentation shall not be construed as independent consultation.
    • Any other actwhich is specifically prohibited by the subject teacher, Academic Assistance Committee and Regulations.

    Benefits to Student Assistant

    16. On successful completion of the duties assigned, Student Assistant shall be provided a Certificate of Appreciation duly signed by competent authorities stating relevant details of the activities undertaken and/or services rendered. However, in case of resignation/removal etc during the semester, Student Assistant shall be ineligible for the certificate. Decision of the Academic Assistant Committee in consultation with Subject Teachers shall be final.

    Evaluation of Student Assistant

    17. The performance of the student assistant shall be continuously monitored and evaluated during the tenure as Student Assistant by the subject teacher and the Academic Assistance Committee.

    18. Response/Feedback of the students,in the prescribed form and manner, shall be obtained to assess the performance of the Student Assistant

    19. Academic Committee shall prepare monthly Student Assistance Evaluation Report by compiling and collating feedback of the students. Report shall be in such form and manner as prescribed by competent authorities from time to time.

    20. Report shall be submitted by the Academic Committee to the subject teacher within seven days of the close of the month or end of the academic activities for the month, as the case may be.

    Removal of Student Assistant

    21. The Academic Assistance Committee shall have the power to remove the student assistant on any of the grounds mentioned in clauses (a) to (d). For the purpose, Student Assistant Evaluation Report and such other material, as may be deemed necessary,shall be taken into consideration by the Academic Assistance Committee.

    • Knowingly providing false information during the selection procedure; or
    • Irregularity in conducting and attending classes; or
    • Misconduct towards students or subject teacher; or
    • Non-performance of the assigned duties and/or performing or indulging in any act prohibited by the Policy or RGNUL regulations.

    22. Removal of Student Assistant shall be made in consultation with the subject teacher after giving the Student Assistant an opportunity to be heard.

    Miscellaneous

    23. Terms of the policy can be amended and altered by the Vice-Chancellor in consultation with the Academic Assistance Committee.

    24. Vice-Chancellor shall have the power to clarify/add/amend any part of this policyto resolve any predicament, misperception, ambiguity or problem which may arise from time to time.

    25. Competent Authorities shall have power to prescribe forms and rules for obtaining feedback, for drafting/designing reports and for monitoring of the activities of various committees.

    26. Notwithstanding anything contained in this policy, competent authorities of the University may notify subjects for which academic assistance is to be offered; Academic Assistance Committee; Student Assistants etc at any time in accordance with needs and requirements.

    27. Notwithstanding anything contained in this policy, competent authorities shall have the power to constitute various committees,from time to time, for ensuring compliance with the terms of this policy and for promoting academic excellence.

  • 4. RGNUL Student Mentorship Program

    A student mentorship program has also been introduced which is beneficial for personal and professional growth of students. The mentor, a senior student having prowess/distinction in different fields, guides new students (mentees) in matters pertaining personal and professional domain. The guidelines to formalise ‘Student Mentorship Program’ at RGNUL are as follow:

    1. Objectives

    The objectives of the RGNUL Student Mentorship Program (SMP) have been identified as follows:

    • To provide emotional, psychological and professional support to the students of RGNUL;
    • To develop leadership skills amongst the senior students of the university;
    • To build a strong bonding and relationship amongst the students of different batches;
    • To encourage students to follow new techniques to expand their skills and share experiences for better learning.
    • To build confidence amongst the students.

    2. Administration of the Program

    RGNUL SMP shall be administered and monitored by a committee of following members:

    • Dean Students Welfare (Co-ordinator)
    • Two senior faculty members to be nominated by the Vice-Chancellor
    • Medical Officer
    • University Counsellor

    3. Selection of Mentors and Mentees

    • In the beginning of every academic year, students from B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) IV & V years would be invited to submit expression of interest to act as mentors. At the same time, students from the first of three years of B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) would be invited to submit expression of interest to seek mentorship.
    • Different areas in which the mentors and mentees would be selected by the committee are:
      • Academics
      • Moots/Arbitration/Negotiation/Mediation Competition
      • Sports
      • Debating
      • Cultural Activities
      • Placement
      • Internship
      • Any other area identified by the committee
    • The committee would formulate criteria for selection of mentors and mentees in different areas. However, a single mentor may act as a mentor for areas and a single mentee may seek for mentorship for variety of /multiple areas.

    4. Matching of Mentors with Mentees

    • The committee, depending upon the number of mentors and the mentees, may adopt any of the following approaches to match the mentors and mentees:
      • One-on-One
      • One-to-Many
      • Group mentorship
    • A first informal meeting, ice-breaking session shall be held on time, date and place specified by the committee.
    • The committee shall explain the broad framework of the program to the mentors and introduce them to their prospective mentees on the first meeting.
    • Thereafter, the mentors and mentees shall be free to interact with each other as per their convenience throughout the year.

    5. Dispute Resolution

    • Any complaint or request regarding a mentor or a mentee shall be addressed to the DSW through his official email.
    • DSW shall look into the complaint or request made by the student and pass appropriate orders.
    • DSW may seek the opinion of the entire committee on any matter regarding the complaint or request.

    6. Periodic Review

    The university administration shall periodically review the success/failure of the RGNUL SMP program and make necessary changes to these guidelines.

    7. Removal of Difficulty/Conflict Resolution/ Resolution of Conflict

    The Vice-Chancellor of the university shall be the final authority for resolving conflicts that may arise during functioning, monitoring or administration of the Program.

  • 5. Student Participation in Research Projects

    Various Research Centres at RGNUL are engaged in carrying out important Research Projects. It is intended to involve students in certain Research Projects with a view to improve their research skills and also to ensure that they imbibe the applied aspects of law in action.

    The centre coordinators will soon approach students to involve in this purpose.

Copyright 2021 Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law Punjab.