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Apprehensive about the law school lecture?
Not sure how to prepare?
Stay to the end, as I provide you with 14 strategies to help you do your best.
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Hi, this is Beau Baez, and today I want to discuss the law school lecture.
First, a definition: A lecture is a one-way form of communication, where the professor
shares knowledge and experience with students in a classroom setting.
The law school lecture is the most common teaching technique in most of the world, though
American law professors don’t use it often, instead preferring the more active Socratic
method.
When the lecture is used in American law schools, it’s often when the professor is running
out of time, or the material does not lend itself to the Socratic method.
Now, let’s turn to 14 strategies that will help you thrive during a lecture.
#1: Prepare for Class.
This means reading your assignments and reviewing your notes from the previous class.
This is extremely important because today’s material often requires that you understand
what was covered yesterday.
Also, by preparing, you won’t feel compelled to write everything down because you will
understand what is being discussed.
Finally, preparation will free up your mind to pay attention, rather than trying to write
everything down.
#2: Get a good seat.
Usually, this means sitting towards the front of the classroom.
The further back you sit in the classroom, the more distractions you will have, as students
between you and the professor whisper to each other, they watch videos on their smart phones,
or you have problems hearing the professor.
#3: Supplies.
Make sure you have enough paper, pens, and pencils before you go to class.
Nothing is more frustrating than getting to class, only to realize you left some of your supplies
at home.
#3: Don’t Write Everything Down.
The way we learn is by thinking and reflecting on new information.
So listen to what is being said, summarize, in your head, what you are hearing, and then only copy down key
phrases.
If you write everything down, you're actually activating a different part of your brain that helps you transcribe,
but not to think.
#4: Listen and stay engaged.
You may start getting bored and be tempted to pull out your smart phone,
check your email, go to some website.
If you stop paying attention you will find it very difficult to get back into the discussion.
So turn off the cell phone, and if you have to, keep it in front of the room or in
your locker.
#5: Abbreviations.
You don’t need to write out every word, so create abbreviations for words that you
use all the time.
For example, a capital P for plaintiff, a capital D for defendant, a capital K for contract,
or Neg. for Negligence.
#6: Cornell Notes.
Consider using the Cornell Notetaking method.
Developed at Cornell University over 50 years ago, this method has helped students around the world.
#7: Stretch.
Move your arms, your legs, your hands.
But make sure you do it quietly so that you don’t disrupt the class.
#8: Confusion.
When you hear something that doesn’t make sense, write down a question in your notes
so that your can come back to it later.
Otherwise, you're going to start thinking about it, dwelling about it, during the lecture.
That's going to keep you from staying engaged.
So stop, write the question down, and stay in the moment.
#9: Food and Water.
If allowed, bring a water bottle and a quiet snack.
This will help you focus by staying hydrated and providing your body with some energy during
the lecture.
#10: Items on Board.
If the professor takes time to write something on the board, it’s usually important.
So copy that information into your notes.
#11: Date.
Write down the date at the top of each page.
Also, on the top of each page, write down a number next to the date for multiple pages.
For example, March 15th 1, March 15th 2, March 15th 3, you get it.
#12: Relationships.
Don’t be afraid to write arrows in your notes, connecting ideas together.
It's not unusual for the professor to mention a concept, move to a new concept, and then
go back to the prior concept.
An arrow is a great way for you to remember which concepts are related.
#13: Attitude.
Go into the lecture with the attitude that you are going to learn.
If you go into class, thinking “great, another boring lecture,” guess what?
You're going to get another boring lecture.
A positive attitude goes a long way in helping you learn.
#14: Learning Buddy.
Go into the lecture with somebody, and sit next to your buddy.
This will provide you with accountability, as you quietly exchange glances or notes.
Then after class, go with your lecture buddy somewhere and discuss what you both
heard.
This will reinforce the material, which will help you retain the information longer.
Also, you may find that your buddy heard something that you missed.
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