Problem Based Learning in Legal Education -An Observation through Pilot Classes-

The author introduces 'Problem Based Learning ('PBL') comparing with a case method and a problem method. Then he conducts two pilot classes on constitutional law and commercial papers to see the possibility of its application to legal education. Four students participate in two pilot classes respectively, in which meet four times for one topic each. After monitoring those classes, he concludes that PBL can enhance the effectiveness of learning in legal education and finds three merits; PBL assists students to play a more active role in the class, induces students to solve problems independently, and makes the learning situation real. The demerit of PBL, he observes, is that it is a costly method as students should spend more time and institutions should provide more manpower and materials. He suggests more empirical researches on alternative teaching methods, including PBL, to a lecture in legal education