Reinventing Structures: Working Across Schools to Teach the Seminar Component

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Session Type: Discussion Programs

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In Spring 2021, the AALS Externship Teaching Methodologies Subcommittee piloted a Faculty Shadow Program. This session will provide an overview of the Faculty Shadow Program and describe how the program resulted in a collaboration between two law schools. The Program led to teaching two joint Zoom externship seminar classes in two separate semesters, with an additional faculty member from a third law school to observe and participate in the class.

This session will present this collaboration as a case study. We will then move into a series of Liberating Structures to facilitate a deeper conversation (see https://www.liberatingstructures.com/ls-menu/). Many clinicians may be familiar with Liberating Structures but may not have implemented them in the virtual classroom space. For those who have not experienced Liberating Structures, the creators promise that the structures are simple to implement, inclusive (less hierarchical), and fun. We will discuss best practices for teaching joint classes across schools along with the associated benefits and challenges.

Participants will walk away with ideas for collaborating as well as practical experience with Liberating Structures in a virtual setting. We will also discuss tips for using Zoom and other technology tools, and a syllabus/class plan for a class on networking and building relationships in the legal profession using Liberating Structures.