LEGAL SCHOLAR SUPPORTS TRANSFORMING LEGAL EDUCATION
In the past few months, the University of Malawi has seen a number eminent scholars who passed through its corridors returning to their alma mater to present public lectures and seminar talks at the campus in Zomba. This has proven to be beneficial for the students, as they become equipped with knowledge and skills that prepare them to enter the industry and bring about effective change in the real world.
The School of Law, Economics, and Government's Private Law department had the honor of hosting Professor Thoko Kaime from the University of Bayreuth in Germany on August 18th, 2023. During the event, Professor Kaime presented a research talk titled “Imagining the law school of the Future”.
In his presentation, Professor Kaime focused on several key pillars: teaching, research, network, and advocacy, which are crucial for transforming the law school. He stressed that the modern law school must move away from the illusory objectivity of legal norms held by lawyers. Professor Kaime observed that the legal field tends to be conservative, oriented towards preserving established power dynamics, yet it possesses the potential to drive positive societal changes. Furthermore, he highlighted the necessity for the law school to undergo self-transformation in order to become interdisciplinary, student-centered, flexible, international, open, and critical.
Professor Kaime went on to explain that in this digital era, the law school should leverage technology to create expansive classrooms, thus accommodating and exposing students to diverse institutions, including international ones. “This approach would empower students to access resources well beyond their local environment,” he said. He further emphasized the importance of strategic collaborations, advocating for an interdisciplinary approach to teaching that makes legal concepts comprehensible to various fields, such as accounting. He also stressed the need for ongoing evaluation of programs and curricula.
The presenter ended his talk by reiterating the significance of the law school having a distinct identity, centered around promoting social justice. He further pointed out the importance of deliberate networking choices for the law school's future, suggesting a prioritization of local connections. Professor Kaime commended the law department for its existing law clinic and urged the school to brainstorm ways to enhance its effectiveness.
Students who attended the lecture voiced their appreciation for the event. “The research talk was very insightful. I have learned that it is possible for a law school curriculum to be student-friendly if the lecturers are willing to assess their own performance through positive feedback from the students,” said Rashiedah Winesi, a fourth-year student. “This will make learning very interesting and will assist in improving the delivery of the modules.”
The function concluded with words of gratitude from Dr. Bernadette Malunga, the Head of the Department of Private Law. The discussion captured the interest of both students and staff, and also included virtual participation from some attendees who commended its stimulating and insightful nature.