CELL Blog | Center for Engaged Learning in the Law

That is the title of an excellent book by Maryellen Weimer, who is a national leader in teaching, learning, and faculty development in higher education. This little gem of a book (201 pages) delivers the what, why, and how of learner-centered teaching. Weimer’s Learner Centered Teaching arose out of her review of the vast literature on student learning in higher education. She identifies five aspects of learner-centered teaching: (1) balance of power, (2) role of content, (3) role of the teacher, (4) responsibility for learning, and (5) evaluation purpose and processes. In clear, concise language, Weimer explores each of these concepts and provides examples from college classrooms.

Too busy to read a book? Maryellen has you covered. She is the editor of The Teaching Professor, a monthly newsletter on teaching and learning. Most issues are 6-8 pages long and contain 8-12 short articles containing helpful ideas for teachers. Most of the ideas are directly applicable to law teachers. For example, the January 2008 issue contained articles on:
•    Leading effective discussions
•    Dealing with students who over-participate
•    Effects of hurtful comments on student evaluations
•    Student attention spans.

Learner-Centered Teaching is published by Jossey-Bass – www.josseybass.com.
The Teaching Professor is published by Magna Publications – www.magnapubs.com.

(By the way, I met MaryEllen Weimer only one time – more than ten years ago at an Institute for Law School Teaching conference at Gonzaga. She has no idea that I am posting this blog.)