Re: Socratic Method

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Here's what Taf t has to say on their website:

A. The case method, also often referred to as the Socratic
method, is a method of learning first implemented by in the
early 20th century by Harvard and Columbia law schools. The
case method requires students examine ("brief") and discuss
actual court decisions. In recent years a growing number of
legal educators have expressed dissatisfaction with this
model. In 2007 the Carnegie Commission on Higher Education
released a report which recommended sweeping changes in how
law was taught. These recommendations included de-emphasizing
the case method of instruction.

While the Carnegie report questioned the value of the case
method in classroom programs, our experience has shown that it
has even less value in a distance learning program.
Historically the greater emphasis a distance law school places
on the case method, the lower the bar examination pass rate.
Most Taft Law School courses utilize "casebooks," but of equal
importance are treatises, outlines, recorded lectures and
other study aids.

On 2/04/09, atty wrote:
> Right on point. I also believe that the Socratic Method is
> pure waste of time. I remember most students in my class used
> to check emails or browse the Internet during the class. Only
> a few used to participate in the discussions. These students
> (I was among one of them most of the time) were in the class
> because the attendance was required (and I am talking about
> one of the top ranking schools). I always learned through
self
> reading.
>
>
> On 2/03/09, Iggyrip wrote:
>> One of the previous posts, mentioned their school taught
>> by the Socratic Method. This stirred some past memories
>> and I thought I would kick this around to see how people
>> felt about it.
>>
>> I spent a year at a Cal Bar arroved school who taught by
>> the Socratic Method. I thought it was a waste of time. Too
>> much time discussing cases and not enough time learning
>> the law and how to write an essay. It has it's place, but
>> I believe that law can be taught in a more efficient
>> manner. Case in point: After law school, just about
>> everyone attends a bar review to learn the law (or what
>> was forgotten) and how to write for the exam. There is no
>> Socratic Method teaching in bar review. Why do law schools
>> continue to teach this way? Tradition? Or it is really the
>> best way to teach law?
>>
>> Does anyone agree?
>> Iggy
>>