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William D. Randall's Blog (of no particular interest to no one in particular)
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Friday, December 08, 2006
FINALS BLOGGING SERIES – EXAM WEEK SERIES (This post is written in the Exam Format that is required for my PR Class)
In order to properly assess the level of preparedness and capability of Western State Law School Students, final exams are administered on a biannual basis for those students attending Fall and Spring Semesters. Midterm exams may be administered by the professors as warranted, however all classes are required to have one final exam. All references to exam procedures are according to the rules as set forth in the student handbook and other authorized communications as necessary. I. Is there a duty for law students to type their exams while in law school? For the ease of administration of exams and the importance of accuracy of grading, students may, but are not required to type their exams while in law school. Under the academic standards, as set forth in the Student Handbook, a student has the option of either typing or handwriting their exams. While the student handbook does not set out a preference for the use of either procedures, many professors stress the need to type rather then handwrite as it is useful practice for the bar exam. (See Student Handbook, Exam Procedures) From the student’s standpoint, the ability to type one’s exams allows for the student to focus more on outlining and preparing a “stellar analysis” on exams. (See Sheppard, Syllabus to Property I). Furthermore, the ability to type one’s exams allows students to maximize one’s time, by being able to make quick corrections and to move sections of one’s answer on the screen during the course of the exam. However, the need for students to type exams may also lead to further difficulties. Many students have been able to complete their education via the built-in spell checker and grammar checker of Microsoft Word, and do not have the sufficient language and grammar skills to ensure clear and concise prose. Furthermore, students may feel more inclined to include more material, rather than less, in order to fill up time and address issues that are not relevant to the issues being tested. Students may also have difficulty typing or have difficulty concentrating in nosy room full of keyboards. In addition, those who handwrite exams are more inclined to take the time necessary to outline model answers prior to writing in order to prevent complete rewrites in the middle of exams and to clear up one’s handwriting as well. In conclusion, while a student is not under a duty to type exams, it is a method that is preferred by the professors and provides important practice for the bar exam. As such, students should type their exams. a. If the student’s computer encounters technical difficulties, is a replacement computer authorized? While a replacement computer during the exam is not authorized due to the need to install examsoft software and to complete the necessary registration process. A replacement computer may be procured prior to resuming subsequent exams. Students who encounter technical difficulties during exams in which their laptop becomes unusable are required to resume the exam through the use of pen and bluebook. (See Student Handbook, Use of Examsoft Procedures). However, students who have adequate time to procure and prepare a replacement computer in the interim may do so. (Conversation with Bonnie) Difficulties of a technical nature, such as a frayed power cable that is an obvious safety and fire hazard due to sparking, will require a student to obtain a replacement computer. (Yes, this actually happened to me.) While the purchasing of a replacement computer during exam week may take away time necessary to adequately prepare for exams (see II. Infra), a student may be able to procure a replacement laptop through a family member, i.e. a brother who just happens to have a spare lying around. (Why he has a spare is beyond me.) Under the rules as set forth in the student handbook, a replacement computer is authorized, provided as student is able to install the necessary software prior to commencing subsequent exams. II. How many hours of study are needed before the material sinks in? Adequate time to prepare for exams is dependent on the students study habits and focus, Students who are enrolled in five classes and attempting to work a law clerk job may suddenly find that there are more than 24 hours in a day and sleeping less than 6 hours becomes the norm. However, stress has been known to effect people differently, and the student may end up sleeping more and losing focus, by turning to such activities such as blogging. III. What if the student is starting to feel like crap, is he under an ethical duty to continue with exams without an approved withdrawal? Cutting to the chase to get back to studying……Under the “Buck Up and Suck Up” theory a student is under an ethical duty to take the exams. Only in such cases in which the student is hospitalized and suitable alternatives to taking the exam cannot be devised, will the student be able to delay the taking of exams. Just because a student starts to feel miserable during finals, does not relive him of his ethical duty to complete exams in the classes he is registered. One exam down, four to go. JUST GEEEETTT IIITTTTTT DONEEEEE!
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