Learning by Doing: The Benefits of Experiential Learning in Animals and the Law by Peter Sankoff

Law professors can use experiential learning in any type of class, even one on animals and the law.

Learning by Doing: The Benefits of Experiential Learning in Animals and the Law by Peter Sankoff.

Abstract:     

"In recent years, I have added several experiential learning elements to my course on animals and the law, as I illustrate in this video blog on my web page. In this article, I wish to describe the experiential elements I use in the course, and make a case for the benefits of doing so. Finally, I will look more broadly at ways in which experiential tasks in the classroom can benefit a student's educational experience."

 

Quote:

“Properly executed, experiential learning techniques offer huge benefits for students. The obvious advantage comes from the way in which these techniques allow students to develop their legal skills in a safe environment, while obtaining feedback and the opportunity to self-reflect upon their performance. Less apparent is a second benefit I believe is even more important: experiential learning is a superb way of letting students realize some of the most obvious shortcomings of the law governing animal treatment first-hand. As a consequence, they can absorb lessons about difficult concepts in a way that will not resonate anywhere near as strongly if they are conveyed by lecture or discussion alone.”

 

(Scott Fruehwald)