Drawing on the reflective exercises you completed in Land Law during the year, reflect on your ability to learn a new subject and on your intellectual and academic and/or legal skills progression from your previous studies. Your reflective essay should consider both - your experience of studying Land Law as a new subject AND - your intellectual and academic and/or legal skills progression from your previous studies. (You can choose whether to reflect on academic or legal skills, or both.) Each issue should be given similar weight although you do not need to split the word count equally. You may choose how to structure your answer provided both issues are considered. Your answer should focus on your Land Law studies but may include reflection on other studies and experiences too. You may refer to material from your Introduction to Law and Legal Skills unit. Your answer should demonstrate your reflective ability in relation to each issue and you may find it helpful to refer to the different reflective models which you have been introduced to during your studies. There is no prescribed model to use but you must ensure that the different elements of a reflective cycle are addressed and that your answer includes goals for your future studies at the University of Manchester. Your answer should refer to the reflective exercises that you completed during the year as evidence for your reflection. You may choose how many of these exercises to refer to. You should copy and paste any of the exercises that you are referring to into an appendix to your answer in Cadmus. If you wish to refer to additional evidence that is not in these exercises, then you should include it in the appendix too. For example, this might include notes, feedback, or other documents. Your marker will use your references to the reflective exercises in your appendix to assess their suitability as evidence for your reflective essay but the reflective exercises (and any other material contained in the appendix) will not be marked. The quality and style of the reflective exercises will not be judged and will not affect other marks but note that they will be viewed (anonymously) by members of the marking team and may be seen by the External Examiner for this unit and other members of teaching staff. Reflective writing can use the first person (for example I felt / I think/ I will) but should otherwise use an academic tone (with formality, caution and criticality). Your reflective essay should be clearly written and structured, using correct spelling, grammar and syntax. Remember to proofread before submission. Ensure that any references to individuals (other than members of the teaching team) are anonymised and that such references are made in a way that is respectful and professional. Appendix1- Entry1 October2nd Looking back at my first year at the University of Manchester, it's been quite a journey. I got to dive into some really interesting areas of law like Introduction to Law and Legal Studies, Criminal Law, Contract Law, and Public Law. Each course brought something new to the table and helped me understand both the basics and complexities of the legal world. The assessments were tough but rewarding. They pushed me to think critically and apply what I learned to real-world scenarios. The feedback I received was super helpful, pointing out areas where I could improve, especially in research and writing. One of the most useful pieces of advice was to focus on structuring my arguments more clearly, which I plan to work on moving forward. As an international student, adapting to a new education system and environment was initially challenging, but it also enriched my learning experience. I appreciated the diverse perspectives in my lectures and workshops, which broadened my understanding of global legal issues. Moving into Year 2, I have a few goals in mind. I want to dig deeper into specific areas of law, for example family law, corporate law, and medicinal law. I want to get better at research, and gain some practical experience in these fields. Doing legal internships are on my radar to help me grow and build my professional network. Additionally, I plan to engage more with extracurricular activities and student societies to enhance my university experience and develop a well-rounded skill set. Overall, Year 1 was challenging but definitely worth it. I'm excited for what's to come and ready to keep learning and growing as an international law student at the University of Manchester. Appendix2- Entry2 October 23th As I start Year 2, I'm excited about diving into Land Law. I'm particularly looking forward to exploring topics like land registration, leases, and rights of way. These areas seem not only interesting but also highly relevant to real-life legal situations. Understanding how property rights are managed and enforced will be fascinating and practical. Though, I'm also a bit worried. From the research I've done, Land Law appears more difficult than some other courses. The concepts seem complex, and there's a lot of detail to remember. I'm concerned about how hard it might be to grasp everything, especially with the intricate rules and historical context involved. Interestingly, I don't find much difference between starting a new unit in Year 1 and Year 2. The process feels quite similar, with the main change being a higher expectation to build on what we've already learned. I've already encountered some challenges with Land Law. There are topics and terms I've never heard of before, making it tough to get a handle on things. Coupled with the new information from my other courses, it feels like a lot to juggle at once. For example, learning about Estates, Interests, and Formalities in Land Law has been particularly challenging. These are not concepts one typically associates with or thinks to research when considering the word "law," making them harder to grasp. Their abstract nature and the level of detail involved add to the difficulty. To manage these issues, I plan to stay organized and break down the material into manageable sections. Joining a study group can help clarify difficult concepts, and I'll try to make use of office hours to get extra help from professors. Staying proactive and seeking support when needed will be very important to me to navigate this course successfully. In conclusion, while I'm excited about the new topics in Land Law, I'm aware of the challenges ahead. By staying organized, using available resources, and engaging actively with the material, I hope to master this subject and make significant progress in my studies this year. Appendix 3- Entry 3 November 13th Studying Land Law has presented significant challenges for me, especially when it comes to understanding abstract concepts like equitable interests and proprietary estoppel. These concepts often lack clear, straightforward connections to real-life examples, which makes them particularly tricky to grasp. Equitable interests, for example, involve complex legal principles that govern how rights and interests in property are enforced, often through equitable remedies like trusts or injunctions. These concepts don't always have direct parallels in everyday situations, making their application in practical scenarios less intuitive. Similarly, proprietary estoppel deals with promises or assurances made regarding property rights, which can make legal obligations even in the absence of a formal contract. Understanding how these promises give rise to legal rights can be challenging without concrete examples that illustrate their impact on real property disputes. To overcome these challenges, I've adopted a thorough approach to studying these topics. I've spent additional time breaking down course readings and making detailed notes to grasp the nuances of these abstract concepts. Discussing these topics with classmates in study groups has also been beneficial, as it provides different perspectives and helps in applying theoretical knowledge to hypothetical scenarios. Moving forward, I plan to continue exploring case studies and practical examples that illustrate these abstract concepts. By grounding theoretical knowledge in practical contexts, I aim to strengthen my understanding and ready myself to apply these principles effectively in future legal practice. In conclusion, while grappling with equitable interests and proprietary estoppel has been challenging due to their abstract nature, these challenges have enhanced my analytical skills and deepened my appreciation for the complexities of Land Law. Through perseverance and proactive engagement, I am confident in overcoming these hurdles and mastering these crucial aspects of property law. Appendix4- Entry 4 November 27th Today's workshop was all about a problem-solving exercise centered on the tricky situation with Max, Mia, and Yasmin's interests in Orchard House. The scenario was pretty complex, and we had to use the IRAC (Issue, Rule, Application, Conclusion) method to figure out how to advise Yasmin after Max and Mia sold the house behind her back. During the peer review, I got some really helpful feedback. My peer mentioned that my IRAC application was great, which was reassuring to hear. However, they pointed out that I need to practice more on the application part because I tend to focus too much on the case laws and not enough on directly answering the question in advising Yasmin. This made me realize that I need to create a better balance between using case laws and actually applying them to the specific issues. I learned a lot from this feedback. It's easy to get caught up in showing that you know the relevant case laws, but it's just as important to make sure your analysis directly addresses the problem. This is something I'll definitely work on improving. To get better at this, I plan to practice more IRAC applications, focusing on answering the question directly, review feedback from previous exercises to identify any patterns in my approach and discuss my analysis with peers to see how they apply case laws to specific issues. Overall, the workshop was really useful. It not only helped me understand the legal issues in the scenario but also highlighted areas where I can improve my problem-solving skills. I'll keep working on balancing my use of case laws with direct application to the issues to ensure my analysis is both thorough and relevant. Appendix5- Entry 5 December 11th I recently completed the formative MCQ test for Land Law and scored 80%, which I'm quite pleased with. The purpose of this assessment was to check our understanding of the material covered so far and to help us identify areas where we need more study. I found the test fairly easy, mainly because I had my resources, including my Land Law book and access to Law Trove, on my laptop. Having these resources at hand made it much easier to verify my answers and feel confident about them. After receiving my results, I engaged with the feedback provided. It was helpful in highlighting the specific areas where I lost marks, particularly in the nuances of certain legal principles that I need to understand better. I've made notes on these points and plan to review them thoroughly during my revision period. Looking ahead to the summative MCQ exam, I have mixed feelings. I'm worried because it will be conducted in person, and we'll only be allowed to bring physical papers. This is a first for me, as I haven't done in-person exams since high school, which was during the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada. The prospect of not having digital resources at my fingertips is a bit scary, and I'll need to adjust my study habits to ensure I'm well-prepared. My specific goals for the revision period include, ensuring I can recall key legal principles and case laws without relying on my laptop. As well as completing more practice MCQs under timed conditions without using any digital resources to simulate the exam environment. Interestingly, there aren't any other assessments I need to complete in January, which allows me to focus all my energy on the Land Law exam. This singular focus should help me manage my time better and delve deeper into the material. Overall, while the formative MCQ test went well, the upcoming in-person summative exam presents new challenges. By engaging with feedback, setting clear revision goals, and practicing under exam conditions, I hope to build the confidence and skills needed to excel. This experience is a stepping stone in my journey through Land Law, and I'm committed to using it to strengthen my understanding and exam performance. Appendix6- Entry 6 January 15th - January 26th Now that the exam period is over, I want to reflect on the different assessments I completed. In my last reflective entry, I said I had no other assessments, but that wasn't true. I actually had a blog post assessment in which I received 68%. The purpose of the blog post was to evaluate our ability to communicate complex legal concepts clearly and engagingly to a non-specialist audience. For this assessment, I spent a considerable amount of time researching and drafting my post to what blog posts are meant to look like all the while maintaining a law perspective. I aimed to simplify complex concepts without losing their essence. While I was satisfied with my content, the feedback highlighted that I could improve the structure and clarity of my writing. I prepared by memorizing key principles and taking practice tests without digital aids. Despite my efforts, the pressure of the exam environment impacted my performance. I did well in recalling information but struggled with applying it under time constraints. I need to work on managing exam stress better and improving my time management skills during the exam. My strengths were in-depth research and understanding of the topic. However, my weaknesses were related to the structure and clarity of the writing. I need to focus on making my writing more concise and better organized in the future. I also had a couple of formative assessments that I didn't complete due to a family issue. Missing these assessments was a significant weakness, as it limited my opportunities for feedback and improvement. Reflecting on my assessments, I realize that while I have strengths in understanding and researching legal concepts, I need to work on my application skills, writing clarity, and managing personal challenges better. For the future, my goals include improving exam techniques, enhancing writing skills, and being proactive in seeking support when needed. This reflective exercise has been valuable in identifying specific areas for improvement and setting actionable goals for the future. Appendix7 Entry 7 February 12th As I start Semester 2, it's a good time to reflect on my goals for Year 2 and the progress I've made so far in Land Law. Reviewing my earlier entries gives me a comprehensive look at how my understanding and skills have developed. In Entry 1, I reflected on my first-year experience as an international law student, noting that adapting to a new education system was initially challenging but enriched my learning. Feedback on structuring my arguments more clearly was particularly helpful. Entry 2 highlighted my excitement and apprehension about studying Land Law, with plans to stay organized, join study groups, and use office hours to manage the complexity. Entry 3 focused on the challenges of understanding abstract concepts like equitable interests and proprietary estoppel. Detailed notes and discussions with classmates enhanced my analytical skills. In Entry 4, a problem-solving workshop and peer review highlighted my tendency to focus too much on case laws rather than directly answering questions, guiding me to better balance my legal analysis. Throughout these entries, feedback from peers and the teaching team has been instrumental in my development. For example, the blog post assessment feedback emphasized the need to improve the structure and clarity of my writing. Scoring 68% showed me that while my research was strong, my writing needed to be more concise and organized. Looking ahead to Semester 2, I have several goals. I'll continue practicing under timed conditions and work on managing exam stress. I'll focus on making my writing more concise and well-organized, incorporating feedback from my assessments. I'll be proactive in seeking support from instructors and peers, especially when dealing with personal challenges that might affect my studies. Reflecting on my learning in Semester 1, I've realized that my approach to studying has room for improvement. While I've done well in understanding complex legal concepts, I need to focus more on application and clear communication. This deeper reflection has shown me that being adaptable and open to feedback is crucial for my growth. In conclusion, Semester 1 was a period of significant learning and adjustment. By staying committed to my goals and continually refining my approach, I am confident that I can overcome the challenges of Semester 2 and make substantial progress in my studies. Appendix10- Entry 10 April 22nd - May 12th Now that Semester 2 is over, it's a great time to reflect on my learning in Land Law and how things have gone. This semester has been quite enlightening and brought new challenges and insights. One of the most interesting concepts I delved into was covenants. The idea of covenantspromises attached to land that can bind future ownerswas fascinating. It's intriguing to see how historical agreements can still impact current property rights and obligations. This concept made me appreciate the long-standing complexities of Land Law and its real-world applications. Compared to last semester, where I primarily focused on understanding the basics of Land Law, this semester was entirely new and refreshing. Unlike my previous studies in high school, which included criminal law and human rights, Land Law introduced me to a completely different aspect of legal studies. This shift was both challenging and exciting as it broadened my perspective on the legal system. This semester, I approached my learning with a more structured plan. I set specific times to complete each assignment to balance my coursework with other courses and my daily life. This strategy helped me stay organized and reduced the stress of juggling multiple responsibilities. However, there were times when unexpected events disrupted my schedule, making it challenging to keep up with the workload. Using Cadmus for these journal entries was a bit hard to navigate, and it still is, but I like to figure things out on my own first. My learning in Land Law this year has complemented my studies in other units. The analytical skills and detailed understanding required in Land Law have enhanced my approach to other legal topics. For instance, the precision needed in interpreting covenants has helped me in understanding intricate details in other subjects. Throughout the semester, I completed various assessments, including problem-solving exercises and written assignments. The feedback I received was invaluable. For instance, in my blog post assessment, scoring 68% highlighted the need to improve the structure and clarity of my writing. This feedback guided me to focus on making my writing more concise and organized. As I prepare for the revision period, I plan to review feedback from my assessments to identify areas for improvement. I will complete practice exams under timed conditions to enhance my time management and reduce exam stress. Engaging in study groups to discuss challenging concepts like covenants will ensure a deeper understanding through peer discussions. Maintaining a balanced schedule will help cover all topics while managing other responsibilities. Reflecting on my learning in Semester 2, I realize the importance of adaptability and seeking feedback. While I've made significant progress in understanding complex legal concepts, there's always room for improvement. By staying committed to my goals and refining my approach, I'm confident in my ability to tackle the challenges of the next semester and excel in my studies. Overall, Semester 2 was a period of significant learning and adjustment. By maintaining my focus and continually working on my weaknesses, I aim to make substantial progress and achieve my academic goals. This reflective exercise has been valuable in identifying specific areas for improvement and setting actionable goals for the future.