BACKGROUND
Interdisciplinary learning of law and social work
Three Patterns of Interdisciplinary Learning:
Students from a discipline studying another discipline
Professionals and Professors from another discipline sharing their expertise, education, and knowledge base
Interdisciplinary teams of faculty from diverse disciplines planning and teaching a course enrolled in by students from diverse disciplines and professions
Social Worker and Lawyers
Similar Vision of Serving People
Different Scope, Different Target
Social Justice
Lawyers: not a goal or obligation of the legal profession
Social Worker: “Core Value” in the Code of Ethics
Target
Lawyers: Clients only
Social Workers: Clients and Clients’ family and social life
Problems
social work students – failed to demonstrate legal knowledge
Acquire skills and knowledge through an interdisciplinary course
exchange professional knowledge
understanding each other’s actions and responsibilities
teamwork experience
Strengthen the “power” of interdisciplinary inquiry
Experiential learning as pedological innovation
Traditional teaching methodology of law
Reading, lectures and seminars
Active Learning method for law
Effectiveness in imparting problem-solving skills
More learning incentives and retention in study
“a teaching philosophy that informs many methodologies in which educators purposefully engage with learners in direct experience and focused reflection in order to increase knowledge, develop skills, clarify values, and develop people's capacity to contribute to their communities.”
Interdisciplinary of law by social workers
University of Michigan
o interdisciplinary seminar in law, social work and psychology
o Expand students’ way of thinking
o Promote reflection on their experience
Canada & the UK – not common
UK – social work Law
Asia - rare