Say What?: A How-To Guide on Providing Formative Assessment to Law Students Through Live Critique

Abstract

The American Bar Association requires law schools to move beyond the traditional, single final exam and incorporate more assessment. One method law professors may use is live critique. Through live critique, the professor examines students’ work for the first time in front of students and reacts to it live. This article details the benefits of live critique for law students, which include enhanced learning, increased confidence, and practice-ready skills. It also describes how professors can boost the effectiveness and efficiency of their feedback by delivering it live. Finally, the article provides suggestions for professors in overcoming potential challenges and provides step-by-step guidance on how to integrate live critique into any law school course.

Keywords: assessment, formative assessment, live critique, feedback, learning objectives

JEL Classification: K00, K10, K19