Flexible Online Learning in a Masters of Taxation Law Program

Gage, Jennifer. Faculty of Law University of Sydney Email: Email: jennyg@law.usyd.edu.au

Ellis, Robert. Institute of Teaching and Learning, University of Sydney Email: r.ellis@itl.usyd.edu.au

Keywords

Flexible online learning, curriculum issues, practical issues, evaluation

Abstract

Traditionally, the Masters of Taxation Degree at the University of Sydney takes a problem-based learning focus through its use of case studies. This focus ensures that students, who are mostly professionals, learn both the technical legal content but also develop problem-solving skills essential to the practice of taxation law. A continuing difficulty for students in the Masters Program is the quality of their case study preparation due to significant professional work commitments. Students seem to do little preparation before the seminar. To help students in the preparation of their case studies, a flexible online learning approach was adopted by lecturers. This study reports on the redevelopment process of one subject, Corporate Taxation, its student evaluation and the implications raised by the process for the Faculty of Law.