The emerging use of storytelling as an alternative teaching methodology to the appellate case law method

For students studying law through higher education institutions today there is an emphasis on extensive individual reading and analysing appellate case reports and legislative provisions. In addition class sizes are increasing and students are normally required to study on their own and then try and compete with other students in the classroom as part of their learning. The case law method relies on the teacher selecting the cases to be read, or selects the most appropriate casebook which has a collection of selected cases. The teacher then informs students of the cases that are to be read and analysed before the next class. The teacher then questions students during class time and this drives the discussion and engagement for students. However it should be noted that the reading of cases by students is itself a way of engagement as it allows for students to familiarise themselves with how the common law has developed.