While this article is about MIT’s move away from large lectures in introductory physics, the rationale behind the change is applicable to law schools. MIT has moved away from introductory classes in physics with 300+ students, and failure rates have decreased 50%. Attendance is up.
Most applicable to law schools is a quotation by Prof. Eric Mazur:
“Just as you can’t become a marathon runner by watching marathons on
TV,” Professor Mazur said, “likewise for science, you have to go
through the thought processes of doing science and not just watch your
instructor do it.”
Just as you cannot learn to think like a lawyer by watching your teacher do it. (RCF)
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At M.I.T., Large Lectures Are Going the Way of the Blackboard
By Sara Rimer
January 12, 2009
New York Times
After years of debate and research, M.I.T. has
replaced a large introductory physics course with smaller classes that
emphasize hands-on, interactive learning.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/13/us/13physics.html?_r=1&em
