Toussaint's Law Teaching Tips and Strategies - The Labor of Law Teaching

On this Labor Day, some of us business law profs are about to start our semesters, while others are already a few weeks into the fall term.  However, we all understand that our profession involves labors of many kinds.  Seldom do we reflect on those labors with the thought of planning for a positive experience for all.  Today seems like a good time to do that.

A bit more than two weeks ago (August 15), as many of us were beginning to teach for the semester, our law professor colleague Etienne Toussaint (University of South Carolina Joseph F. Rice School of Law, @ProfToussaint) posted a set of tips and strategies for law professors on Twitter (rebranded as X).  His counsel is so wonderful--so apt.  I asked if I could re-publish his post here, and he gave me permission to do that.  So, here are Etienne's words of advice, introduced as he introduced them in his original post.

I always get nervous, so planning helps.

Here are ten tips and strategies to help you (and me) get mentally prepared and set a positive tone in the classroom to ensure a great experience for both you and your students this upcoming academic year.

1/ Set Clear Expectations: Start strong by clearly outlining your course policies on Day 1. This includes attendance, participation, assignments, and exams. When students know what’s expected of them, they’re better equipped to succeed and feel secure in the learning environment.

2/ Foster a Supportive Environment: Law school can be overwhelming, especially for 1Ls. Create a classroom where questions are encouraged and mistakes are seen as learning opportunities. Empathy goes a long way in building students' confidence and fostering a growth mindset.

3/ Incorporate Active Learning: Go beyond lectures with case studies, discussions, and problem-solving. Engaging students in active learning not only makes the material more interesting, it also helps them retain information better. Participation leads to deeper understanding.

4/ Be Approachable: Make it clear that you’re available to help outside of class through office hours, email, or online forums. When students know they can reach out, it builds trust and encourages them to seek help when they need it. This is crucial for student success.

5/ Connect the Material to Real-World Applications: Show students how the legal principles they’re learning play out in real-world scenarios. Whether it’s current events or your experiences, relatable examples keeps students engaged and helps them see the practical value.

6/ Encourage Critical Thinking: Push students to think critically about the cases and materials. Encourage them to question assumptions, explore different perspectives, and develop well-reasoned arguments. Critical thinking is essential for their development as future lawyers.

7/ Balance Rigor with Compassion: Maintain high academic standards while recognizing the pressures that 1L law students face. Compassionate teaching doesn’t mean lowering the bar; it means providing the support and encouragement students need to meet and exceed expectations.

8/ Promote Collaboration: Foster a collaborative classroom culture where students can learn from one another. Group projects, peer reviews, and study groups not only enhance learning but also build a sense of community, which is vital for their success and well-being.

9/ Reflect & Adapt: Continuously reflect on your teaching methods and be open to adapting them based on student feedback. This shows students that learning is a dynamic process, and it allows you to improve the classroom experience for everyone. Continuous improvement is key.

10/ Take Care of Yourself: Teaching is a demanding profession, especially in law school. Prioritize your own well-being so you can bring your best self to the classroom. A balanced and centered teacher is essential for creating a positive and productive learning experience.

I hope that Etienne's words have as much meaning for you as they do for me.  I find them both resonant and highly motivational.  Do take care of yourselves, and enjoy the holiday break for Labor Day.