The Benefits of Classroom Learning for CLAT and Law Entrance Exams

September 1, 2020
Posted by: Team CP
Category: clat preparation

The Benefits of Classroom Learning

In Parts 1 and 2, a brief overview of the advantages and disadvantages of self-preparation and correspondence courses was given. This part answers the next natural question: what does classroom learning add to the value that can be gained by correspondence courses? Another question, which has become relevant in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, is also dealt with: is there any value in classroom learning in the digital mode? Let’s look at them one by one.

1. Structure to Preparation

It has been noted in Parts 1 and 2 that one of the biggest disadvantages of self-preparation and correspondence courses is a student has hardly any guidance in terms of structuring or scheduling her/ his preparation. The scheduling of classes, and mentors’ constant guidance would help structure the preparation of a student much better than anything else.

2. Learning from Mentors

a. Subject-matter expertise

All mentors are aware that preparation is possible without them. Why do they teach, then? It’s not simply to make money; they teach because they know they can add value to the bare text that students keep reading. Classroom teaching is an art, and mentors are well on their way to mastering that art: they combine their expertise in the subject with their aptitude for simplifying, breaking down and explaining topics in a manner that not only is easily understood by students, but also retained in their memories for a longer time.

b. Miscellaneous knowledge

Not only that, their knowledge of the frequency with which certain questions appear in different competitive exams, or their knowledge of some fundas and tricks is something that cannot be effectively written down in books; it can only be communicated in the flow of teaching in a class.

c. Customised Learning and Counselling

Moreover, mentors are not just experts in their subject-areas. They have seen countless students from varying backgrounds go through the struggle of preparing for different entrance exams. If a student is stuck somewhere, they are able to use their wealth of experience to counsel the student and lead her/him to a path that is conducive for effective preparation according to the needs of THAT student. This customised help is simply impossible in any other means of learning.

3. Learning from Peers

A lot of the author’s learning in classes at law school happened not through the teachers, but through his peers. Their curiosities and questions opened new dimensions in which one ought to think. The same applies to any classroom scenario: even if one thinks that they have understood a concept, a question or doubt asked by someone else may prompt them to think in another direction, and lead to a more holistic understanding of the said concept.

4. Networking

As mentioned in Part 2, networking is an essential part of a legal career; no lawyer is an island. Having your peers in various law schools, and later fields of law, would enable to student to maximise the utilisation of opportunities that are available to her/him.

CLAT Possible, and Conclusion

We at CLAT Possible have a team of experienced, competent and helpful mentors who are capable of guiding a student’s preparation and catapulting it to the next level. This is clear not only from our students’ stellar record in CLAT, AILET and other law entrance exams, but also from the faculty descriptions available at our website. We hope that if you or your ward is serious about law as a career, you would strongly consider joining CLAT Possible.

[The author of the post is a graduate from National Law University, Delhi, and is currently mentoring students here at CLAT Possible. Feel free to write to us at help@clatpossible.com, and we’ll see how we can help you or your ward in going forward in their pursuit towards law as a career]