Modern learning methods for HRD: The clinical legal education (CLE) approach©

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore how professional skills training in making ethical decisions for redundancy selection, can be utilised though interactive role play, in a virtual learning environment.

Design/methodology/approach

A pilot study was undertaken with a group of part time mature students pursuing a professional development programme. The pilot was based on the CLE concept using a virtual learning environment (VLE) and involved ethical decision making in a redundancy scenario. Data was gathered through the VLE “log” and through a focus group interview.

Findings

Evidence is provided of the suitability of the CLE approach in this context. Additionally, the findings suggest that the use of a virtual learning environment for CLE raises a number of different issues for the management and motivation of participants. Virtual interaction of this nature creates different timescales, degrees of confidence and levels of anonymity than found with more traditional face‐to‐face training. This has an impact on behaviour and requires recognition and management by HRD facilitators.

Research limitations/implications

The study was based on a small‐scale pilot and has not been retested.

Practical implications

The findings provide practical implications for further design in using CLE in redundancy selection. Furthermore, clinics for a variety of scenarios both in the workplace and educational settings could be based on this approach.

Originality/value

The paper provides discussion of an innovative approach in an HRD context. These concepts have been not used extensively in the HRD field when trying to address learning and skills development in ethical decision making in practice.

Citation

Wootton, D. and Stone, B.K. (2010), "Modern learning methods for HRD: The clinical legal education (CLE) approach©", Journal of European Industrial Training, Vol. 34 No. 8/9, pp. 839-851. https://doi.org/10.1108/03090591011081002