People who study law at university usually have a pretty clear idea of the kind of future that they would like to create for themselves. They know that legal qualifications can lead to high earnings and allow them to lead the lifestyle that they want (while they’re not working, that is). But, what are the changes that university law degrees go through?
What’s with university law degrees?
Before, I used to think that when people go into law school, they’re really smart. However, that way of thinking changed when I got into law school and tried taking on one of the university law degrees. Things seem great at first but you’ll encounter different kinds of people from different walks of life. Frankly, I experienced getting smart shamed while I was in law school and it felt quite depressing. I thought that when you’re there, you’re supposed to be seeing each other as equals and should be helping each other. Turns out, they were just helping themselves while making others feel bad.
The trouble is getting there. Historically, you had no choice but to travel to a campus every day, sit through lectures, and then write term papers. It was a traditional – and costly – experience. Furthermore, many universities didn’t offer work experience as part of the course, undermining student’s ability to really grasp the applications of the subject matter.
Changing times, evolving university law degrees
Now, though, that’s all changing, thanks to changes in the way universities go about delivering legal education. The model now isn’t lining students up in rows and lecturing at them for hours at a time. Instead, it’s providing them with opportunities to work alongside firms on the legal issues that they face. With better contextual knowledge, students are in a much better position to impress law firms when they leave higher education.
I had one professor before who combined lecture and recitation and it was really good! To be honest, I really feel that I learned a lot. Up to know roughly five to six years after I had that class, I still remember everything. No doubt that his method was really effective. Smart shaming does no good for the morale of the students or even other people. I just really don’t get it why do you need to embarrass others. This happens especially when they fail to give you an answer. Isn’t school supposed to be a place where you should learn? And not feel ashamed of your capacity as a student and as a human being?
Lately, I appreciate the professors who continuously evolve and adapt to the changes in the world. For example, that professor who really taught well-incorporated slides and even video/audio recordings into his lecture. In turn, that made studying a whole lot better and easier!
Tech is allowing course organizers to make changes to format too. Many institutions now combine both in-person and online elements to provide a more flexible experience for students. This is especially to those who may have part-time job commitments.
Are you interested in studying law at university?
Take a look at the following infographic to find out more about how legal degrees are changing. Expect more practical and experiential elements and less reading of textbooks in the library.
Did you find this helpful?
I hope this will help you decide in case you’re at a crossroad about pursuing another degree. Whether or not it would be a law degree, I wish you all the best! ☺️
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Sana, sana, law schools in the Philippines would try a different mode of learning the law. I have friends who study Law in the UK, and they shared with me how their professors teach. May tutorials sila. Yes, you still need to read, but the point is, you get to know ano perspective ng prof/classmates mo. Tapos mga prof, naglelecture, and some even email the slides/word docs to the students in advance. While less ang recitations, I think they tend do more paperwork (which is fine with me! haha).
Yung mga prof, they are open for consultations. Di pahirapan na hanapin sila!
Oh my goodness! That’s the dream! I’ve had a professor who combines lecture and recitation and up to this date, I still remember how he taught us and even picked up major learnings from that class. He was my Consti 1 and 2 professor and he raised my expectations for all law professors. Sadly, not everyone adapts his way of teaching.
Paperwork is fine with me too. I would rather do that than recite, tbh!