120 likes | 133 Vues
Learn how to improve student writing skills by creating a business law weblog to engage with millennial learners. Utilize open-source software for collaborative research and publication opportunities. Develop a body of work that fosters writing competency and contributes to public discourse.
E N D
Blogging as a Legal Writing Assignment Ralph W. Flick, JD, MBA Assistant Professor Pacific Lutheran University Academy of Legal Studies in Business, National Conference, August 10, 2018
Abstract • Often student written work is read once, graded and never used again; however, faculty can leverage free (or very low cost) open source software to establish a business law weblog and publish student written work in a medium with which millennial students can relate. The resulting weblog provides students with an opportunity to participate in faculty/student research, create a possible resume item, and presents unique opportunities to improve writing competency. Over time, a body of work develops that contributes to the public discussion and provides a database of past work as a model for future students.
Problems • Student Writing Skills • Level of Target Writing Skill of Traditional Term Paper • Learning Legal Analysis/Language • Academic Format (e.g., APA) • The Desk Drawer Problem • Single Deadline Problem • Short-Form News Format Common for Millennials
Solutions • General Readership Format • Semester-Long Build • Peer Collaboration/Group Activity Work • The Roommate Standard • Publication Opportunity • Off-the-Shelf, Open Source, Low/No Cost
Learning Objectives • Create a general readership, publishable written summary of a major case for an online legal blog. • Conduct basic legal research. • Apply the IRAC analysis format to a general audience.
Assignment • Max 1,500-word Blog Post • Segmented During Semester (4 sub-assignments) • Topic Selection • Outline • First Draft • Final Draft • Short Weekly Group Progress Activity • IRAC Format • Two Secondary Sources
Example www.lutebizlaw.org
Issues/Lessons Learned • Even More Segmenting • Style Guide • Focus on Secondary Source Research • Understanding the IRAC Elements • Tech Issues (for Faculty and Students) • University Approval • Student Privacy • Student Motivation • Supreme Court Cases Only
Status • AY17-18: Initial Implementation • AY18-19: Revised Implementation • ALSB Montreal: Paper Submission
Resources • Existing Blog: www.lutebizlaw.org • Materials: www.lutebizlaw.org/alsb2018 • WordPress
Blogging as a Legal Writing Assignment Ralph W. Flick, JD, MBA Assistant Professor Pacific Lutheran University Academy of Legal Studies in Business, National Conference, August 10, 2018