SCL1501 - Skills Course For Law Students

SCL1501 - Skills Course For Law Students y study groups? There are many people who do not believe in group work. Are you one of them? If you have been raised or taught in an environment of competition and individualism you will most likely feel uncomfortable studying in the context of a group. However, learning effectively from a group context is a skill that has to be learnt and developed. This echoes the point we made earlier, that each individual is unique. Thus, not everyone is effective in a group setting. But you cannot afford always to be on your own as in life you cannot avoid dealing with other people. For instance, as a lawyer or legal practitioner one day you will probably find yourself being part of a group, like in a partnership with other legal practitioners, or in a prestigious legal firm. To add to this, legal advisors in big companies are usually part of the management teams. Even we, law lecturers, are part of a Department! Therefore, there are professional reasons for establishing regular contact with fellow learners. There are, however, academic reasons too. If you have to “teach” others you find out soon if you are not really in command of the material. Conversation/argumentation shows gaps in knowledge and abilities and can also force one to work out conclusions, implications or applications that you were not aware of previously. As students you are also encouraged to form study groups. The value of study groups can be related to this quotation: Come learn with me and we shall be exemplars of proficiency. But if you yearn to be alone, then you must learn it on your own. 20 20 Maughan C and Webb J Lawyering skills and the legal process 2nd ed (Cambridge University Press London 2005) 85. SCL1501/501 27 2.2.9.2 What makes groups work? The key feature of functional groups is the element of respect or integrity. Members of a group must respect one another. Some of the important characteristics of a group are the following: ● The group members must have and understand a common objective. ● Group members must observe the basic house rules. For example, one person can speak at a time, observe time (punctuality) for meetings, and must prepare for group meetings. ● Group members must have their roles defined. For instance, decide who will be the chairperson of the sessions, the scribe, time-keeper or organiser of venues. ● Members must have confidence in and trust one another. ● The group must be manageable. There should not be too many members. An effective group normally has between three and five members. ● Each member must contribute to the discussions. ● Members must work co-operatively and with preparedness. Constructive criticism is essential. Thus, members should feel free to criticise for the benefit of the whole group. That is, the intention and motive to criticise a fellow member or an issue must be meant well, and help the group in some way. 2.2.9.3 Benefits of a study group We cannot list all the advantages of a study group here; you are therefore urged to think of other benefits you believe studying in a group context has. Here follow some of the benefits: ● A group can serve as a pool of motivation. The idea of knowing that you are ‘‘not alone in this’’ can inspire you. ● Being a member of a small group can give you confidence to engage actively or participate in discussions. ● If you have to present something to the group you will be ‘‘forced’’ to prepare so that you do not end up disappointing your fellow group members or even embarrassing yourself. ● You will benefit from, at least, hearing other people talk about issues or concepts that you have only read about on your own. ● Other members of the group may bring different dimensions and perspectives to how you understood certain things in your study material. Fresh or alternative ideas are thus introduced, and you can, therefore, meaningfully compare notes. ● As you compare notes and exchange views in a group setting, you will have the opportunity to clarify issues and get a better understanding of the subject matter. ● Should you prepare and present on a topic, you will realise later that you almost become an expert on that topic. ● Groups add a social and/or interactive element to the study process. Be careful, however, not to fall into the trap of making your study group a social club or a mere talk show. 2.2.9.4 Disadvantages of study groups Try to think of the disadvantages of study groups. Here are some of them: 28 ● Some students may not work hard enough and thus parasite on the contributions and participation of others. ● Some members may be arrogant, bully others or even use the groups to ‘‘show’’ off. ● There are problems with students who dominate others. ● Other members may simply become silent, passive and not participate at all. ● Some students may not prepare for the group discussions. ● You have to contend with logistics such as availability of venues, and so on. A look at the benefits and disadvantages of study groups already suggests that there are many challenges and precautions that you should consider before forming a study group, and even after your study group is up and running. 2.2.9.5 Some ways in which a group can function (a) The central figure model ● The person in the middle is responsible for the flow of communication. ● This model is suitable for simple tasks. ● A disadvantage is that the central figure can be overloaded with information or he/she can block the flow of information. ● This pattern of communication is used in most meetings where all members address their comments through the chairperson. The success of this method therefore depends a lot on the leadership abilities of the person in charge. (b) Decentralised groups model ● According to this model, communication flows freely between the group members. ● This model is suitable for small groups. ● Because this model is fairly unstructured it can lead to ‘‘talk shows’’ while nothing really gets done. It is thus advisable to have a free flow of communication while still having a leader (chairperson) who can see to it that the decisions taken are implemented. This can be seen in the following model: SCL1501/501 29 (c) Free flow of communication + chairperson model Because group members can freely talk to each other and the leader/chairperson is also available, this model is used with the greatest success.