Successful law students as models for beginner students?

Abstract

The aim of the present study is to gain information to be used for student counselling by comparing first-year students’ (n = 243) spontaneous descriptions of their learning activities at the beginning of their legal studies with fast study pace law students (n = 14) who have already finished their first year. Both groups of students mentioned many of the same generative and non-generative strategies, but the use of the strategies was more versatile among the fast study pace students. It was characteristic of the beginner students to mention modes of learning whereas the fast study pace students emphasised elements of organised effort in studying. The fast study pace students’ descriptions may be seen as a model of best practices in studying law and may be considered as valuable peer exemplifications for first-year students.

Keywords:

• higher education
• student learning
• novices
• counselling
• peer exemplification