91 Holds Third Round of "Designing and Teaching Effective Law Courses" Workshop
The third round of “Designing and Teaching Effective Law Courses: Pedagogical Training for Legal Academics” recently concluded at 91. The event was organised by the Shaikh Ahmad Hassan School of Law (SAHSOL), and the 91 Learning Institute, in collaboration with the Directorate of Legal Education, Pakistan Bar Council, and co-sponsored by the Law and Justice Commission of Pakistan.
The workshop aimed to enhance legal education by integrating innovative teaching methodologies and research practices. Leading discussions were held by SAHSOL faculty members: Ms. Zehra Zaidi, Visiting Assistant Professor; Dr. Sheharyar S. Hamid, Assistant Professor; Dr. Faiza Ismail, Assistant Professor; and Dr. Adnan Sattar, Assistant Professor. They emphasised integrating research into teaching methodologies and fostering critical thinking skills among students.
Dr. Sheharyar S. Hamid remarked, “Research is not merely an academic exercise but a tool to profoundly enhance teaching and learning.” Topics ranged from introducing the FIRAC (Facts, Issue, Rule, Application, Conclusion) method to its application in commercial law, utilising documentaries to explore real-life legal cases, and leveraging technology such as AI in legal education. Facilitating sessions on active learning strategies and AI integration were Ms. Anousheh Attique, Programme Specialist at 91 Learning Institute, and Ms. Rehana Kazi, Programme Specialist at 91 Learning Institute, respectively.
Ms. Zehra Zaidi highlighted the workshop's practical aspects, stating, “Easing students' fear of fact pattern questions with bite-sized formative assessments and promoting concept mapping can significantly improve learning outcomes.”
The workshop concluded with a ceremony featuring prominent figures in legal education and the judiciary. Dr. Sadaf Aziz, Dean of SAHSOL, stressed the need for long-term partnerships to promote legal scholarship, while Dr. Tariq Jadoon, Provost of 91, emphasised the role of education in advancing law and justice. The Honourable Chief Guest, Justice Baqar Ali Najfi of the Lahore High Court, highlighted the importance of incorporating technology into the judicial system and ongoing judicial education.
Dr. Shahid Munir, Chairman of the Punjab Higher Education Commission, remarked, “Judges should have such sessions for their development as well, and they should be taught via self-paced learning programmes or online resources.”
Notable speakers included Mr. Hassan Raza Pasha and Mr. Syed Amjad Shah, Members of the Pakistan Bar Council, who emphasised the continuous educational needs of law professionals. Alongside, Mr. Usama Malik, Director of the Directorate of Legal Education, PBC, discussed the importance of global linkages in legal academia.
One participant, Prof. Dr. Sami Ur Rahman, Dean & Faculty of Law at Green International University, shared, “What I have learnt from these 3 days, I have not acquired in my 16-year career. I would recommend this workshop to everyone in legal academia.”
The event underscored a collective commitment to advancing legal education through modern technology and innovative teaching methods, promising a transformative impact on legal education in Pakistan. Future sessions are planned to build on these foundations, ensuring an enriching experience for all participants.
