Exploring modes of lecturing as a teaching method in higher education: Student attendance, preference and motivation

This paper presents the findings of a large-scale study conducted at an Australian metropolitan university, which seeks to compare attendance in different modes of lecture delivery and student preference and motivation for attendance. The research design collected data for three different teaching methods - oncampus lectures, live streaming utility and lecture recordings via lecture capture. The study addresses the broader question of the value students place on the modes of lecturing, as indicated by their attendance patterns, usage of lecture recordings, and preferences and motivations for the same. Overall, the study confirms the student preference for flexibility when accessing or attending lectures, with those choosing both on-campus and live streaming lecture delivery, also having a strong preference for using recorded lectures. Implications of findings of the study which was conducted pre-COVID-19 extend to a postcoronavirus world as well with implications for infrastructure and resource planning for universities with changing student demographics and flexibility requirements and challenges brought on by a global health and economic crises.

Not so Treacherous Waters of International Maritime Law

The United Nations 1982 Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) is a widely accepted international agreement that regulates maritime law. Among countries that have ratified the treaty are many Islamic law states—states that are traditionally skeptical toward international multilateral treaties. What makes the Convention attractive to the Islamic world? This study focuses on substantive international and Islamic law of the sea, as well as rules governing peaceful resolution of disputes in both legal systems. The chapter shows that unlike other international treaties, substantive provisions of UNCLOS express principles historically present in Islamic law. Additionally, peaceful resolution procedures of the Convention incorporate Islamic law states’ preference for flexibility in conflict management. Empirical analyses of UNCLOS signature, ratification status, as well as UNCLOS declarations, and restrictions (1982–2006) support the theoretical expectations set forth in the chapter. This study provides a compelling analysis to address these puzzles.