Case Study: Maastricht University brings family law to life with SURF

Livening up personal and family law with actors

Maastricht University, a law school, faced the challenge of making its personal and family law education more engaging and practical. The traditional curriculum focused on conceptual knowledge from books, failing to prepare students for the complex emotional dynamics and strategic decision-making required of real-world family lawyers. With the help of vendor SURF's Open and Online Education Incentive Scheme, the university sought to develop a more interactive and realistic learning experience.

SURF supported the university in creating a solution centered on an immersive video case study. Actors portrayed a divorcing couple in a complex scenario, which students then assisted in two opposing groups. This method helped students understand the practical application of law, leading to better knowledge retention and the development of crucial advisory skills. The project was so successful that its materials are now being shared with other institutions like Zuyd University of Applied Sciences, amplifying SURF's impact on improving legal education.

Maastricht University

Gwen Noteborn

Associate Professor of Personal and Family Law