Reshaping the teaching–research nexus: connecting with students through research blogging (with an autoethnographic perspective) before they become lawyers

Abstract

ABSTRACT The literature chronicles an ongoing debate about the teaching–research nexus in higher education. This article details how the author, a law lecturer, has built on the Humboldtian notion of the unity of teaching and research by blogging his research to his practical legal training students in an online teaching environment. With a focus on concern for learners as they soon become Australian lawyers, the article describes how the author blogs to raise awareness of his research, along with promoting a vibrant learning space. Attitudes to commercial law, and socio-legal, ethical, well-being and work–life balance issues, are some of the matters arising from the research. Whilst these issues may be at the edge of the traditional curriculum knowledge that students require to become lawyers, they impact on students seeking to make sense of career success in a competitive job market. The article will highlight how students connect with the blog. Some of the blog posts have an autoethnographic perspective drawing on the author’s experiences as a law student and lawyer that is pertinent to the research. All of these aspects come together to demonstrate the strengthening of the teaching–research nexus with an emphasis on students preparing to become lawyers.