FIRMS

On the first day of class students will be assigned to a team or "firm" of 4-6 students, through a transparent selection process designed to produce diverse groups of teams. These teams will sit together for all classes. On quiz days, after individual responses are tallied through the response device system ("clickers"), for some questions the instructor will set aside time for team discussion after which individual students will be able to respond again, and the second answer will be counted along with the first. Studies of team-based-learning indicate that effectively functioning teams will usually outperform individual student scores. Other tasks will regularly be assigned for teamwork during class time.

The quiz score total for the semester may be adjusted to include a component that reflects how diligent and constructive you have been as a firm member, which may include peer assessment from your fellow firm members.

For more information on the application of team-based learning to teaching Professional Responsibility, see Reading 4 assigned for Class One (Glesner-Fines).