The final presentation of the workshop, from Erica Green and Angela Yenssen. For background, see PREP. Erica gave us a short overview of the PREP model (spiral learning, TELL > SHOW > PRACTICE > PERFORM > REFLECT > DEMONSTRATE).
SCs were introduced throughout the 4 phases of the program thus:
- Phase 1: Foundation Modules LSIA Multimedia. Students watch real lawyers interview simulated clients (good/bad performances) and are shown excerpts of the sim client feedback to the good and poor performances
- Phase 2: Foundation Workshops: Students are introduced to Assessment Criteria / Rubrics — they share the competency slides from orientation.
- Phase 3: Virtual Firm Business Law Client interview; Family Law Client Interview within the Bongo video app.
- Phase 4: Capstone. This comprises in-person simulated client interviews and summative assessment.
Angela focused on the detail of this design, and how SCs are used in detail. Lots of interesting detail here, and particularly important is the summative assessment in the Capstone. Note that the Daniel Webster program at UNH similarly made SC assessments towards the end of the program high-stakes in nature; and similarly the Capstone in PREP.
Angela also described the detail of the assessment, including the standards and standardization of the SC judgments. CPLED. There is a public protection element to PREP – it is a Bar Admission program, after all. CPLED has made enormous strides in this, given the public nature of the program, and are streamlining processes and documents. It’s great to see such sustained focus on maintaining and sustaining the program generally and SC procedures and practice in particular. I’m impressed at the effort and results being achieved.
Finally Erica outlined the benefits of using SCs on the PREP program – which all presenters have noted in their presentations and slides. Very astute question from Jen Slabodkin re feedback derived from stakeholders. That’s essential for the future of the program.