Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! In this episode we offer practical advice for law students on preparing for class, handling the Socratic method, and managing anxiety about being called on. We emphasize that mistakes are normal and that efficient reading and note-taking are key. We encourage law students to approach class participation as a learning opportunity and to focus on developing confidence and communication skills.
In this episode we discuss:
- What is the Socratic method and why do law schools use it?
- What is the most effective way to prepare for a law school class?
- How to manage anxiety about classroom participation
- What if you're genuinely unprepared for class one day?
Resources
- Start Law School Right! (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/start-law-school-right/)
- Podcast Episode 62: Surviving the Socratic Method in Law School (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-62-surviving-the-socratic-method-in-law-school-classes/)
- Podcast Episode 102: How to Read Cases and Prepare for Class in Law School (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/16176-2/)
- Podcast Episode 398: Start Law School Right – The Socratic Method (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-398-start-law-school-right-the-socratic-method/)
- Be Prepared and Speak Up! A Different Approach to the Socratic Method (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/be-prepared-and-speak-up-a-different-approach-to-the-socratic-method/)
- What's the Point of Reading Cases in Law School? (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/whats-the-point-of-reading-cases-in-law-school/)
- Notes? Case Briefs? Highlighting? How Do You Prepare for Class? (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/notes-case-briefs-highlighting-how-do-you-prepare-for-class/)
- Ahead of the Curve: What Should You Be Doing to Prepare for Class as a 1L and How Long Should It Take? (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/ahead-of-the-curve-what-should-you-be-doing-to-prepare-for-class-as-a-1l-and-how-long-should-it-take/)
Download the Transcript
(https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-515-how-to-prepare-for-class-and-not-freak-out-when-you-get-called-on-1l-summer-series/)
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Thanks for listening!
Alison & Lee