Producing Skilled Legal Graduates: Avoiding the Madness in a Situational Learning Methodology

Griffith Law Review (2008) Vol. 17, No. 1, page 87

34 Pages Posted: 16 May 2012

See all articles by Anne Hewitt

Anne Hewitt

University of Adelaide - School of Law

Date Written: 2008

Abstract

Many pedagogical and practical advantages of engaging students in experiential situational learning such as simulated practice involving teamwork are discussed in educational literature and are confirmed anecdotally by educators. However, many academics who implement situational learning methodologies encounter difficulties, particularly in relation to managing students who are working together, group assessment, and the assessment of skills rather than substantive knowledge acquisition. This article considers some of the common problems encountered with situational learning as discussed in the literature and as identified through research conducted in courses using this methodology. This discussion is then used to suggest tools and concepts in preparation which can be used to avoid or manage some of the common problems with situational learning, and ensure that legal simulations operate as successfully as possible from both student and teacher perspectives.

Keywords: situational learning, pedagogy, simulated practice, tertiary education

Suggested Citation

Hewitt, Anne, Producing Skilled Legal Graduates: Avoiding the Madness in a Situational Learning Methodology (2008). Griffith Law Review (2008) Vol. 17, No. 1, page 87, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2060745

Anne Hewitt (Contact Author)

University of Adelaide - School of Law ( email )

Ligertwood Building
Adelaide 5005, South Australia SA 5005
Australia

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