University of Portsmouth The Practical Lawyer

1. University of Portsmouth The Practical Lawyer Appraisal as an Effective Form of Assessment

2. The Practical Lawyer • A 40 credit unit which replaces dissertation at level 6 • Students work in a number of settings offering legal advice • Students are trained over a two year period • In level 6 students commit 100 hours to the particular project

3. Assessment • Students undertake an assessment at the end of level 5 – this is to ensure that they are equipped with the necessary skills they need to work with members of the public • Level 6 assessment • Assessment 1 pertinent to the particular project • Assessment 2 an appraisal with incorporates a reflective essay

4. Why is Appraisal an Effective Form of Assessment? • Our Practical Lawyer unit replicates the working environment:- • Appraisal replicates what the student can expect when employed • Encourages them to think about past achievements and to consider the future • Asks them to consider their own objectives and how well these have been met/are being met

5. Why is Appraisal an Effective form of Assessment? • It asks students to consider:- • What they want to get out of working on the project • How working on the project helps them to achieve your objectives? • Any additional support they feel they need to help them achieve their objectives? • Whether the project is providing them with the skills they feel they require? • How reflection can change future attitudes/behaviour

6. How does the Appraisal Process Begin? • In October (level 6), students write their own objectives • Throughout the year, students return to these and consider how well they are achieving them • Students own objectives plus the objectives dictated by the project are discussed at appraisal. • Reflection plays a key part

7. Setting Own Objectives • The idea of setting objectives is that students have clear goals to achieve and that these reflect the work of the particular project • Students are expected to set 4 objectives and to review the objectives on a regular basis

8. Setting Objectives • Students are encouraged to write objectives which are:- • SMART • Specific • Measurable • Achievable • Realistic • Timely

9. Conducting the Appraisal • This is an assessed artefact so students take this exercise very seriously. • The appraisal itself is conducted with the student and either 2 members of staff or one staff member and a representative from the project with whom the student is working

10. Appraisal Questions • The appraisal questions relate to:- • The students own objectives set against the objectives of the project • Duties and responsibilities • Performance in relation to specific topics • Reflection • Future plans and career opportunities

11. Thank you • Any questions?