Criminal Justice and Criminology Learning Materials

MERLOT categorizes materials by type. Criminal justice learning materials are included in the Social Sciences collection. The Criminal Justice collection includes subcategories such as forensics, courts, corrections, law enforcement, law and society, juvenile justice, and victimology.

Learning Materials can be found in two ways:

1. Browse - Pick a category from "Browse Materials."
2. Search - Input a specific phrase in the Search box, or use Advanced Search to find more specific information

Types of Learning Materials

• Simulation
  • Real or imaginary experience.
  • Users' actions affect their outcomes.
• Animation
  • Visual representation of concepts, models, processes.
  • Users control pace and movement through the material.
• Tutorial
  • Electronic workbook designed to meet stated learning objectives,
  • Structured to impart specific concepts or skills.
  • Organized sequentially.
• Drill and Practice
• Includes quizzes, role plays, various assignments.
• Lecture/Presentation
  • Material used in support of in-class lectures.
• Notes, AV materials, presentation graphics, in-class or online presentations.
• Case Study
  • Illustrates concept or problem by using example that is explored in depth.
• Collection
  • Any collection of images, sequences, learning materials as web sites or subject specific applets.
• Reference Material
  • No specific instructional objectives.
  • Similar to that found in the reference area of a library.

The MERLOT Peer Review Process

The MERLOT Peer Review Process for evaluating learning materials follows the model of peer review of scholarship. Each MERLOT peer review is conducted by at least two higher education faculty members who, from their individual reviews, compose a "composite review" that is posted to the MERLOT web site. Modules that have received the highest ratings are listed first when you Search or Browse the discipline modules.

User Comment and Collections

MERLOT learning materials can also be added to personal collections. These collections give MERLOT members a place to organize materials they have found useful. Members are also encouraged to offer personal comments. These comments are useful to content authors and can also provide suggestions to other educators who are using these materials in classes, User comments and inclusion in personal collections also provide another level of peer review.