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Salient. Victoria University Student Newspaper. Volume 38, Number 26. 1975

Student Reaction to the method

Student Reaction to the method

The introduction states: "The fact that some law lecturers feel that forced learning could be an integral part of Socratic Method' is a sad commentary on their feelings toward students and their concerns as teachers. 'Apathetic' students are generally apathetic because they feel repressed." The article goes on to examine the 'black mark' system used in torts. It is said that many students claim to be terrified but many take it in good humour This is not borne out by the facts. In a survey the torts class was overwhelmingly in favour of the case-method style of teaching. Only 15 students thought it was one of the three worst features of the course (of 135 responses). To say that students generally "hated" the no-response rule and compulsory lectures" is untrue. Only 45 thought it was one of three worst features. Many of the critics of the compulsory attendance - preparation rule were critical because of the quantity of material to be prepared. Professor Palmer has heeded that criticism. The method will, accordingly, be modified for next year.

Salient claims that "Students have had little say in either of these major changes." The fact is that students have little to say about case method. There are three student representatives on the Law Faculty. None have been approached by any student complaining of socratic method. The Law Faculty Club has 2nd and 3rd year representatives. Neither has been approached by any student about the rigours of "case method" or compulsory lecture attendance and preparation.