This article sets out a number of theories and criticisms of supervision in clinical legal education. The author suggests that supervision requires encouraging the learner to enter the zone of proximal development. The zone of proximal development (originally developed for childhood learning) refers to the gap between what children can accomplish independently and what they can accomplish when acting under adult guidance or in collaboration with their peers.
The role of the supervisor is to be a guide and instructor, leading the learner to independence. Supervisors have five main functions: monitoring and evaluating; instructing and advising; modelling; consulting; and supporting (Holloway). In light of the various functions of supervision, there have been various terms used to designate the individual in that role, including supervising attorney, co-operating attorney, field supervisor, and mentor.
Neil Kibble, “Reflection and Supervision in Clinical Legal Education: Do Work Placements Have a Role in Undergraduate Legal Education” (1998) 5:1 Int’l J Leg Prof 83.
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