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Teaching and Feedback

The UWA Law School prides itself on having excellent lectures and a high quality of education. However, our educational experience isn't always perfect so Blackstone has collated some information on common educational issues within the Law School, how to give feedback on the quality of teaching, and how to report any issues.

Lecture Recordings | Unit Outlines | Feedback | Reporting Issues

What are the requirements for lecture recordings?

• Currently, lecturers have discretion whether or not to record lectures. Lecturers consider the learning outcomes and unit requirements when deciding whether to do so. The general approach of the Law School and University is that all lectures should be recorded, unless there is a compelling reason (e.g. pedagogy, guest speakers, sensitive material) not to. 

• If a lecture recording fails, the lecturer is not required to deliver the class again. Some lecturers are happy to do so, or to discuss the content during consultations, and students should ask about these options.

• Unfortunately, lecture recordings often cut out before the end of lectures. This is a technical problem caused by the system requiring time after a lecture, and before the next hour, to process the content. If this happens in one of your lectures contact the Unit Coordinator to find out if you can access notes or content so you don't miss out. 

• Blackstone advises always trying to attend lectures in person, just in case any technical issues arise.

what do i do if my lectures aren't recorded?

• In the past, lecturers have responded to student circumstances and either recorded lectures for all students, or provided access to those students who are unable to attend. We are happy to discuss these options with lecturers on your behalf — contact the Education VP, Tarik Basic.

• We regularly discuss lecture recording with the Faculty and the Guild. If you have particular concerns or comments, please let Emma Boogaerdt know at the email address above.

Where can Unit Outlines be found?

• Unit Outlines are available on the Unit Information Management System.

• University policy only mandates that Unit Outlines are available online 1 working day before Semester starts.

WHERE CAN I FIND INFORMATION IF THERE ISN'T A UNIT OUTLINE?

• Provisional information on units and the Juris Doctor is available here on the Unit Handbooks.

• Alternatively, access the Alternative Faculty Handbook to see all available unit details, student reviews, and Coordinator comments.

WHAT ARE THE SPOT AND SURF SURVEYS?

• The SPOT and SURF surveys are important opportunities for you to give feedback on teaching and your educational experience.

  • The main difference between them is that the SURF survey results are publicly available at www.surf.uwa.edu.au and are a way to review the quality of the entire unit, whereas SPOT is an opt-in survey to review the quality of individual teachers, the results of which are only available to them.

• The Guild Education Council has produced a handy guide to the difference between the two surveys which is available at bit.ly/spotvssurf and more information is available on the University website HERE.

HOW DO I REPORT AN EDUCATIONAL ISSUE TO BLACKSTONE?

• The Blackstone President and Education Vice-President have regular meetings with the Law School where they can raise educational issues that are currently affecting students.

• If you complete this form it will be sent through to the Education Vice-President, Tarik Basic, who will follow up on the issue as soon as possible.