This technique uses a PBL (problem-based learning) approach to encourage critical thinking and judicial engagement with key sources to solve a discipline-specific problem scenario or question. One week before a dedicated class students are provided with several potential problem-based exercises through Blackboard, but are randomly allocated a question on the day of the in-class assessment. A hypothetical question or problem is presented that engages with key content and provocations from the course material, to which students are required to propose a solution. As part of this task students are expected to express an understanding of lecture content and reading material and apply this knowledge to a specific task within a strict timeframe. They must also review evidence, utilise prior knowledge and/or identify and overcome gaps in their knowledge by engaging relevant material beyond the course content using web resources at their availability. Students complete this assessment using the computer facilities available in Collaborative Teaching and Learning rooms. In CRIM2200 students are asked to either complete this task individually (by way of a 1500 word written, referenced response, uploaded to Turnitin) in 90 minutes; or in groups of 4 (by preparing a 10-15 minute oral PowerPoint presentation, including references) in 45 minutes.

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Photo of Professor Adrian Cherney

Professor Adrian Cherney

a.cherney@uq.edu.au

Dr Adrian Cherney is a Professor in the School of Social Science at the University of Queensland. He is also an Australian Research Council (ARC) Future Fellow. He has completed evaluations of programs aimed at countering violent extremism and is undertaking research on the supervision of terrorist offenders who have been released into the community on parole. His ARC Future Fellowship is exploring community-based efforts to prevent terrorism. He has secured both national and international competitive grants from the Australian Research Council, US Air Force and the Australian Institute of Criminology. Find out more