Study Groups -- Bonhoeffer's Example

In her book, Bonhoeffer: Called of God, Elizabeth Raum includes this insightful depiction of a study group Bonhoeffer led for some of his students while he was teaching at the University of Berlin:

"In addition to attending Dietrich's lectures some of his students became part of a study group that met with him one evening a week in the room of Wolf-Dieter Zimmerman, his assistant. Dietrich's preferred teaching strategy was to ask questions and guide discussions. They gathered in Zimmerman's small room in groups of ten to fifteen to discuss theology.  Dietrich enjoyed such informal evenings because they allowed a more natural exchange of ideas than did lecturing.  The students learned to think clearly, to examine issues from all sides, and not to jump to premature conclusions.  At the end of each evening, Dietrich treated them to drinks in a local beer cellar" (52).

Professor-led study groups are a common occurrence here at Handong. I have been asked by my students to lead two this semester.  The Law & Advocacy Society meets each Tuesday evening to practice trial advocacy skills.  Our goal is to conduct a full mock trial by the end of the semester. We're working on a products liability case and will be starting with opening statements tomorrow evening.  As for refreshments, though, Domino's pizza and soda will likely be our best fare.



Law & Advocacy Society

 My second group consists of undergraduate law students who are planning to take the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) later this year as they look ahead to applying for entrance into an American law school in the fall of 2012 following their graduation in December.  This group meets on Saturday mornings to work through practice LSAT exam questions.  I have promised to cook them all an "American breakfast" in a couple of weeks.  Pancakes, bacon, and scrambled eggs are on the menu!

I hope to be feeding their minds as well as their stomachs as we study together in these informal group settings.