PLS 2 - Legal Research and Writing I - Stage 5 - Dora Dye

Assessment

Assessment Methods
  • Analysis of exam, quiz, or homework items linked to specific SLOs
  • Assignments based on rubrics (such as essays, projects, and performances)
  • Capstone projects or final summative assignments
Assessment DescriptionStudents wrote routine documents such as a letter requesting that a specific document be filed; a cover letter describing the enclosures to a client; a memorandum based on a fact situation given in class; a case brief; and a complaint. Through these assignments, students were asked to consider and integrate ethical responsibilities and obligations and other collaborative practices such as organization and maintenance, resolving conflict, improving listening skills, dealing with gender and multiculturalism, and dealing with reluctant collaborators.

To properly write the above documents, students reviewed the fundamentals of English grammar, punctuation, spelling and legal format.

Students received instruction on how to use a law library to find materials in support of an oral presentation and a written research paper.
Learning OutcomesALL
Number of Sections1
Number of Instructors1
Number of Students22

Data Analysis

Data Shared With
  • Faculty and staff within our department
  • Program Advisory Board
Data Sharing Methods
  • Face-to-face meetings
  • Teleconferencing or skype
Data Summary75% of students required the review of English grammar, spelling, punctuation and format.

80% of students needed a refresher on how to write a paragraph and how to write in an informative and persuasive manner.

70% of students had difficulty following instructions on how to write each assignment.
Analysis SummaryMore time had to be devoted to remedial skills, but in the end, 70% of students were able to write correctly, coherently, and meet the writing standards required by legal employers.
Next Steps PlannedMake certain that all students meet the prerequisite and take the coursework in sequence.
Learning OutcomesALL

Tentative Future Plans

TermFall 2013
Activities

Implementation of planned changes and reassessment, revise assignments

More DetailsAdd more collaboration into each assignment, allowing students to work in groups and learn from one another.

SLO Details Storage Location

HARD COPY - In my personal filing system (my office)

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