Evans-Bonner, Michelle --- "Foreword" [2023] WALawTRw 2; (2023) 1 Western Australian Law Teachers' Review iv

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Foreword

I am both honoured and proud to write the foreword to this inaugural volume of the Western Australian Law Teachers’ Review, reflecting a collegiate and collaborative association of teachers of law in Western Australia.

When I was at law school many years ago, lectures were the primary form of teaching and were endured rather than enjoyed. Indeed, as law students, we simply endeavoured to write down everything the lecturer said and would then attempt to understand it later! Tutorials were scarce, and seminars and workshops were non-existent. Assessments were uninspired, with the usual format being an essay due mid-way through semester, followed by an end of semester exam (or worse still, a 100% final exam).

This first volume of WALTR is a testament to how law teaching has evolved and changed for the better. The contributors to this volume explore important themes and contemporary issues facing law teachers. The topics include diversity and inclusivity, the teaching of soft skills, enhancing the experience of international students, innovation in assessment, online teaching, and the building of an online community of practice. When exploring these topics, the contributors show their commitment to teaching innovation and excellence and clearly demonstrate creative thinking outside of traditional law school teaching practices. Importantly, they show a conscious desire to create a more positive and well-rounded student experience and to enhance student engagement and learning.

I commend this publication and look forward to reading the next volume!

Dr Michelle Evans-Bonner FAAL

Senior Member, Administrative Appeals Tribunal