Law Commons^™

Legal Education In A Pandemic: A Crisis And Online Teaching Reveal Who My Students Are, Sonia M. Suter

Saint Louis University Law Journal

The COVID-19 pandemic upended things for everyone across the world in so many ways, including at universities and law schools. In switching to online teaching in the mid-semester last spring and continuing to teach first-year law students online this past fall, I have witnessed the strength and compassion of my students even in the face of the challenges of the pandemic, online learning, and political unease in our country. I have been heartened and bolstered by their deep commitment to building community with one another.

What Works In Online Teaching, Margaret Ryznar

Saint Louis University Law Journal

This Article offers lessons from an empirical study of an online Trusts & Estates course. Over three semesters, approximately 280 law students responded to a survey on what works well for them in this online course and what does not. Their top three answers in each category may help serve as guidance for faculty creating online courses.

Five Truths Learned After A Dozen Years Of Asynchronous Online Teaching, Kenneth R. Swift

Saint Louis University Law Journal

In this article the author reflects on his more than twelve years of teaching asynchronous online law school courses and shares some of his beliefs about the value and limits of asynchronous teaching. The article addresses some surprising strengths of asynchronous online courses, including how black letter case law may be more effectively taught in the online format. Additionally, the article discusses how the asynchronous online format provides opportunities to excel for students with different abilities and personalities.

The article also addresses some potential limitations in the asynchronous online format, including the challenges inherent in student group work and collaboration. …