Law Students’ Experiences in an Experiential Law and Research Program in Australia

Abstract

This paper details a small study of the experiences of 28 undergraduate and postgraduate law students who participated in a student-based research team program. The program employed an interdisciplinary approach to cooperative learning strategies, with students working together in a shared learning experience on a practice-based research project at the Faculty of Law, University of Technology Sydney. Within the framework of a research area related to alternative dispute resolution practices in the legal system, students experienced real-life reference points for learning the law, and were offered a chance to apply relevant legal theory. Whilst the overwhelmingly positive findings must be contextualised by the study’s limitations, insights gained demonstrate that in moving beyond traditional legal pedagogy, there is potential for law schools to examine broadening the student experience, improve wellbeing and better prepare students for a career in law.