Bridges between theory and practice: Experiences of students articling in Prince Edward Island.

摘要

Despite recommendations such as Parker's (1976) call for shorter, integrated law studies programs where theory and practice are addressed together, the study of the theory of law (in law school) and the experience of the practice of law (through articling) remains the norm in Canada. While serving as an articling student myself in Prince Edward Island, and then reviewing literature on law school and articling, I found that articling can be a rewarding experience but became aware of how far apart theory and practice still are and wondered if the articling process could be changed to bring theory and practice closer together to enrich the learning experience for students.; Using qualitative research methods as a practitioner researcher interested in reviewing and, possibly, improving the quality of adult learning experienced through the articling process, I interviewed three articling students articling on Prince Edward Island. What I observed talking with all these students is that they are active in the process of learning and do know how their learning experience can be improved.; Based on my own story, the three stories of these students, and literature from such authors as Parker (1976), Trakman and Watters (1981), and Stager (1990), I make recommendations for strengthening the communications among the law society, law schools, mentors, and students so that, working together, they can address the necessary bridges to be created between law theory and practice on Prince Edward Island.