Unlearning - The Hardest Part of Law School

Speaker(s):

Deb Cohen

No one arrives at law school with a clean slate; everyone comes with prior knowledge. This is important because constructivist learning theory indicates that we build on our existing knowledge.

When the prior knowledge is accurate and complete, it facilitates learning; however when it is incomplete, inaccurate or inappropriate for this new context, it can hinder learning.

Prior knowledge is more than just the facts and figures learned in college. It's also perceptions and beliefs about learning, law school, and the individuals themselves. This prior knowledge can make law school harder and more stressful than it has to be.

Studies also show that people are often resistant to changing their prior knowledge. For example, students come to law schools with prior knowledge about learning and study strategies. While studies have shown that some of these beliefs are not accurate, we mayhave a challenging time changing their beliefs. Identifying our own prior knowledge, and helping our students identify prior knowledge that is hindering their learning is an important step in helping our students succeed.

This session will identify common inaccurate and/or inappropriate "prior knowledge" and ways we might help our students identify it so they might change it.