With the NextGen Bar testing legal research, it is more important than ever that law students are able to transfer what they have learned to new contexts, as they will be expected to apply the skills they learn to different problem sets on the exam. But transfer of learning is not a new problem—studies going back more than a decade have described that new attorney hires lack research skills we know are being taught in the law school curriculum. This program will introduce attendees to the basics of knowledge transfer—how learners take what they have learned and use it in different contexts—and give practical pointers for how to overcome the knowledge transfer problem. Presenters will explain the requirements of successful knowledge transfer and articulate why successful transfer is so hard to achieve, focusing on the cognitive barriers to successful transfer. Presenters will then discuss three effective strategies for improving knowledge transfer for research skills. Finally, attendees will have an opportunity to work in groups to adapt course and training materials to lead to better learning.

TARGET AUDIENCE:

Anyone who does any teaching or training for law students or legal professionals.

TAKEAWAYS:

1. Participants will be able to describe the research behind how knowledge and skills are transferred from one context to another.
2. Participants will be able to implement three strategies to help improve transfer of learning in full-semester classes and one-off trainings.
3. Participants will be able to design teaching materials that incorporate the transfer principles.

SPEAKERS:

• Jennifer Dixon, Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP

COORDINATOR:

• Alyson Drake, University of Houston Law Center

MODERATOR:

• Kerri-Ann Rowe, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill

AALL BODY OF KNOWLEDGE DOMAINS: Teaching + Training

CANCELLATION AND OTHER POLICIES:

No refunds will be given for any purchased AALL conference recording. This applies to non-AALL members only as the recordings are free for AALL members.

The opinions shared during this program represent the views of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect those of the American Association of Law Libraries (AALL). Recording, capturing, or using AI tools to duplicate, transcribe, or otherwise reproduce an AALL program in any form is strictly prohibited without prior written consent from AALL. This includes, but is not limited to audio, video, or any other content shared. By accessing an AALL recording, you agree to adhere to this policy.