Most law schools have either completed a week of classes or are about to begin classes. Getting organized at the beginning of the semester makes a huge difference in feeling organized throughout the semester. Here are three tasks that can help you get a jump start for your semester:
- Read each course syllabus carefully and highlight important information:
- Learning outcomes
- Required or recommended books and materials
- Attendance and participation policies
- Grading policies
- Assignment, exam, or paper information
- Bonus points for participation, attendance at outside lectures, etc.
- Use of laptops, recorders, etc.
- Other information relevant to success in the course
- Note on your calendar any important deadlines and due dates given in the syllabus:
- quizzes
- midterms
- paper drafts
- projects
- assigned group work
- reflection papers
- court observations
- additional workshop attendance
- Begin your quest to be an expert on your professor’s course:
- how the class is organized or structured
- what participation method is used: volunteers, random, seat assignment, panels
- what teaching methods are most commonly used
- what questions are asked about most assignments
- what buzzwords or phrases are commonly used
- whether policy arguments are emphasized
- whether spin-off hypos are used
- whether pop quizzes are given
- other patterns relevant to this particular professor
Paying attention to the syllabus, flagging all the deadlines, and sussing out your professor's teaching will give you a foundation for learning from the early days. Best wishes for a successful semester! (Amy Jarmon)
