Employing Active-Learning Techniques and Metacognition in Law School: Shifting Energy from Professor to Student

Abstract

What is metacognition and why have your students engage in it? Metacognition is an instructional tool that "shifts energy from professor to student." Researchers in fields of psychology and education have found metacognition to be an effective method to engage students in the learning process. Law students are diverse in their learning styles, according to assessments performed annually at St. John's University School of Law. Law professors are encouraged to engage students in active learning and metacognitive exercises. This article presents examples of teaching techniques involving active engagement and metacognition.