NUALS goes for gamification of law curriculum

The National University of Advanced Legal Studies (NUALS) is all set to gamify its five-year law curriculum making it one of the more unique initiatives in the country.

Speaking to Bar & Bench, NUALS Vice Chancellor, Prof. KC Sunny said that this was a move towards revamping legal education, something that Senior Advocate Fali Nariman had referred to during his keynote address at a national seminar on Reforms of Legal Education.

"The need of the hour is to introduce and develop new pedagogic strategies in legal education, the noted jurist had said."

Gamification refers to the application of game-design elements and its principles in non-game context. The process will be carried out under the guidance of gamification expert Manu Melvin Joy, Assistant Professor of School of Management Studies (SMS), Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT).

An agreement was recently signed between Manu and Mini S, faculty of NUALS, at CUSAT where the CUSAT Vice Chancellor, K N Madhusoodanan, and K C Sunny were present.

Speaking to Bar & Bench, Prof. Mini S explained that,

“The objective [of gamification] is to maximize enjoyment and engagement of students through adoption of strategies which capture their interest and inspire them to continue learning.

A good gamification strategy is an opportunity for students with more engaging experience which helps in better recall and retention of concepts."

Gamification is likely to make learning more interactive, engaging and fun. This unique educational approach offers video game designs and game elements in a learning environment which should help in depth understanding of concepts.

Similar to a story line developed in a game, students will be given a narrative to follow. For instance a first-year student may be asked to assume the character of an advocate in lower-level court, which will then be further advanced by collecting evidences to solve the case from different subjects and assignments allotted throughout the year.

By the time students enter their final year the same will be argued in a mock Supreme Court where knowledge and skills acquired during five years will be showcased.

The advantage is that it ensures greater participation in learning not only by students but also from professors.

(The author is a Bar & Bench Campus Ambassador)