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Legal Education

Jun. 17, 2024

The Problem Method Part I: What is it?

The problem method involves handing out a short story that poses several legal issues related to the cases assigned for the week, and asking students to prepare and discuss an outline of the issues in class. This method helps students remember the rules, practice exam-writing, apply the law to complex situations, and have fun playing lawyer.

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School teachers receive extensive training in pedagogy, i.e., how to teach. They take education courses in college, and - while on the job - often go on for master’s degrees in education.

Law professors? Nada. You’re hired, then the Dean just throws you into the classroom. Sink or swim. (When I told my mother about my new gig, she said, “What? You’ve never been taught how to teach.” I laughed, “Mom. This is law school, not the third grade....

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