Posting your Introduction to class and other introductory forums
 

At the beginning of each or our law classes (except Law 2) we ask students to post their introduction, and to read articles and post to those forums. 

The Articles to Read are as follows:

How to Study Law

Good Legal Writing

Read Like a Lawyer

The Uses of Argument

Analytic Thinking

Six Pillars of Character
10 Hour Law School

Recognizing Plagiarism

We require this during the first week of class in each one of your online classes. If you are taking more than one online class you can use the same posting for each in each class you take.

These first set of "introductory forums" require only a "single post". They are not in the nature of a "class discussion" but more a set of "warm up" reading and writing exercises to get everyone ready for what is to come in the class (lots of reading and writing).

Posting to Discussion Forums 

Once you post to the first week's forum (see above)  you will be required to post your original thoughts by Thursday, and respond (or comment upon) to two other students by Sunday.   (a total of three (3) posts to each forum - an original post and two responses to other students' postings). 

Discussion Forums  are open ended questions that are posted on a forum. They are your  "classroom discussion". Your participation is required, and you receive a total of 10% of your grade for your participation in these forum discussions (which is entered by your online instructor at the end of the session or semester).

It is essential that all students fully participate in the class forums. This is what makes the class "interactive" and gives it the "feel of being in an on campus class" which is important to ensure learning is occurring at a "distance".

Please be courteous in any of your postings and responses to other students. "Reasonable Minds" can differ, but please be polite.

Which types of student responses are good and which ones are fair or poor?

Please see the below rubric which details the differences in types of responses or comments in your class discussion forums:

You are required to post an entry to the class forum by Thursday of each week and you must respond to at least 2 of your class mates by Sunday of each week. Your grade on discussions and your 2 responses to each forum discussion is based upon the following: - "avoid responses like "me too" or a response that is irrelevant or adds nothing to the discussion, or does not provide support for your position expressed, and shows minimal reflection. Your positions taken in your responses to other students should be articulated with good support and demonstrate reflection.

How are you Graded on Your Forum Participation

Active participation in each forum is required. Your grade in forums will not be posted until the end of the session. It is 10% of your final grade, so it can make a difference between an A and a B, etc. grade if you do not post at least 3 times to each forum, an original post on Thursday and two comments to other students by Sunday evening.. (note: Law 2 forums may differ from the above.)

Grading Rubric