Study says field experience is key

Frequent interaction between law students and their professors results in a better education, according to the 2006 Law School Survey of Student Engagement released this month. \nAdditional findings of the survey indicated that students who actively participate in clinical or field experiences, such as pro bono work, are more proficient in problem solving and communication skills than peers who do not participate in similar activities. Furthermore, students who have clinical experiences have clearer career goals and are better prepared for professional law. \n"It is tremendously important for students to engage with professionals while still in school. Structured pro bono work and clinical experience are ways to do that," said Lauren Robel, dean of IU-Bloomington School of Law. \nStudent-faculty relationships help students gain the ability to think analytically and solve legal problems, according to a news release. In fact, the survey showed that interacting with faculty has a larger impact on attaining these skills than the amount of time students spend studying or being involved in co-curricular activities such as mock court competitions. \nThe report, which is based on information collected from over 24,000 law students at 64 law schools, shows that student-faculty interaction also helps students build a strong code of professional ethics.\nThe survey provides law schools with an understanding of how well students are learning and analyzes the relationship between the amount of effort they are putting in and the end result.\nLaw School Survey of Student Engagement project manager Lindsay Watkins of the Center for Postsecondary Research said the survey is being referenced by more and more universities. "We've had over 100 law schools use the survey and we are getting promising results with it so far," she said. "There is a buzz building and people are starting to take note."\nThe survey's task is to aid in assessing the value of legal educations all over the country. Law school is a huge investment, and the survey serves to show the public how much it really pays off, according to the news release. \n"Students need to be deeply engaged in the process of their educations," Robel said. "They need to take advantage of every opportunity that law school offers, especially co-curricular activities such as moot court competitions. The more engaged a student is the better their education will be and the better their job prospects will be"