Barbara Leiran

I have found that field trips can inspire students and provide an excellent forum for active learning (if properly thought out and executed). For example, when teaching legal research and legal writing, a trip to the court of appeals helps to bring the subject matter alive. In addition, the experience gives students an opportunity to see the legal process in action and meet other major players in the legal field (judges and other attorneys).

I find that once students complete a research/writing project it is not sufficient to just return their submission with a grade and brief handwritten comment. Alternatively, I find that meeting with each student and giving them very specific feedback is most helpful. More importantly, it gives the student an opportunity to clear up areas of confusion, or receive special praise for areas that were nicely executed. Ultimately, if students know there will be an individual meeting, they are less likely to turn in substandard work.