What is Experiential Learning ?
Objectives of UNSW Law Internships Courses
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UNSW Law & Justice Internships Supervision Manual
What is Experiential Learning ?
Experiential learning is an integral part of university law school education . It can be defined in many ways but , in its essence , it describes a situation where practical work experience plays a central role in the learning process . Experiential learning is also referred to as work-integrated learning ( WIL ).
Features of effective experiential learning involve the student reflecting upon earlier experiences to add and transform them into deeper understanding , recognising that experience alone is not necessarily enough to lead to learning . Debriefing and reflective thought are employed as essential stages in the learning .
Experiential learning occurs :
› where the education is a designed , managed and guided experience ;
› where the experience is the primary method of teaching ;
› where students have a direct encounter with the subject of their study ; and
› where there is a significant academic component to the subject which includes reflection on the experience .
Where experiential subjects are to be part of a law degree , they must offer the student adequate resources for reflection on the experience and opportunities to add to their knowledge of the law , the legal system and their relevant skills to enhance the experience .
Objectives of UNSW Law Internships Courses
The objectives of the course are to :
1 . Assist students to develop an understanding of the issues involved in legal practice and / or policy-making .
2 . Consolidate students ’ skills related to legal practice and / or policy advocacy , such as legal analysis , writing , research and strategic planning .
3 . Develop students ’ skills related to their professional lives , including their ability to communicate clearly in written and oral forms , and develop their commitment to ethical practice and policy-making .
4 . Assist students to recognise the public interest issues present in the broader administration of the law , in the court system and in government policy .