Family Law and Foster Care

Abstract

There are challenges associated with teaching family law and public policy; however, cooperative learning, a recognized teaching strategy that serves to enhance students' overall development, including academic, cognitive, and social growth, can be used successfully to teach this subject matter. In this paper, we describe how we taught students about some aspects of qualitative research methods, foster care policies, and pertinent family law concepts and practices; this was done through the initiation of a research team of undergraduate and graduate students. We explain the development of a cooperative research team, and the methods used to teach family law, using foster care as a context. The observed outcomes for students and faculty members are offered to readers.

Law Students’ Experiences in an Experiential Law and Research Program in Australia

“…This is significant because, in terms of teaching ADR, this is an issue raised by many commentators: that ADR processes are not just important in managing issues that redress delays and save money, they also have value in producing constructive outcomes. 61 Consistent with the results of other studies examining experiential and cooperative learning projects, 62 strategic planning, constant monitoring and evaluation are key aspects of a successful program. Some commentators question whether it is the role of university academics to provide pastoral care to students, 63 whilst others stress that it is academics who are pivotal in shaping the culture of the legal profession.…”