Legal training can be intensified by having learners interact with actors. The advantages of role play are manifold:
- The learner experiences the to-be-learned behaviour
- The learner can experiment with different behaviours
- Stress can gradually be intensified according to the needs of the learner
- customization of the learner experience
Associate Professor Joy Radice from the University of Tennessee is experimenting with actors in legal class to achieve intense learning experiences. Students and lecturer are enthusiastic.
I think Joy has a point. While role playing between learners is already used in some innovative classes, using real actors is new. Mind you, new in legal education. In fields like medical education it is old hat.
It certainly is a break from the passive listening to the lecturere who drones on. Just imagine facing an unreasonable tax inspector or an inattentive judge …
I look forward to the the results to be published in a legal journal or peer-reviewed education journal.