Through visual aids, the students can see and learn by example the types of analysis that will help them in law school and practice. Most students do not know even the most simple forms of analyses and data manipulation. By depicting these on overheads, I teach not only the ultimate rule of law but also how I got there. Once students see the different types of analyses, they can develop their own form, best suited for them. In practice, I experimented with many forms of visual aids and concluded that the simpler way was the better way.
Overheads are particularly useful in the classroom.
I can prepare them minutes before class with a standard copy machine. They are simple to use and do not divert attention. Overheads are easier to see than chalkboards, students can have their own copy, and I can use the same transparency again, tying together old and new concepts. I use transparencies to help teach almost every element of the class. For example, I teach the students how to dissect the rules of civil procedure by going over each rule word by word with a student.