Closing the gap between the needs of students and the community they serve

Abstract

English: University law clinics, within the structures that are identified, must satisfy two main objectives, namely teaching of students and service to clients. The students’ and clients’ needs must be balanced in order to overcome the gap between their respective needs. The outcomes of research into these sometimes conflicting needs are reflected upon. Students’ preparedness for practice, in view of the SAQA exit-level requirements for LLB is discussed. Teaching models are reviewed and curriculum planning methods are suggested. Accommodating the gap between the different needs can best be addressed by teaching in the live client model. Solutions in overcoming the shortcomings of this model are suggested.

Afrikaans: Regsklinieke by universiteite moet twee hoofdoelwitte, binne die strukture wat hierin aangedui word, bevredig, naamlik die opleiding van studente en dienslewering aan kliënte. Die behoeftes van studente en kliënte moet gebalanseer word ten einde die konflik tussen die verskillende behoeftes te vul. Die resultate van navorsing ten opsigte van hierdie onderskeie behoeftes word aangedui. Studente se gereedheid vir praktyk, in die lig van die SAQA vereistes vir LLB word bespreek. ’n Oorsig word gegee van onderrig modelle en metodes van kurrikulum beplanning word voorgestel. Die akkomodasie van die verskillende behoeftes kan die beste bereik word deur onderrig te gee in die lewendige kliënt model. Oplossings word voorgestel vir die oorkoming van die tekortkomige van hierdie model.