Reflection Questions

LAAB GUIDED REFLECTION QUESTIONS

 

The following are guided reflection questions that allow you to reflect contemporaneously upon the learning experience and demonstrate the pedagogical value of your placement in the Gulf Coast.  As a participant in the LAAB trip to the Gulf Coast, you are required to answer these reflection questions and to submit your responses to Malissa Barnwell in Room 100 or via email at mbarnwell@law.usc.edu by the stated deadline.  The suggested length of answers to each group of questions is two pages, but please feel free to take the space you need to answer the question completely.  Please mark on the top of your reflection if you are not willing to allow it to be published by the Public Relations Office for publication or other press material by marking “no publish.”  Those unmarked will be assumed to have conferred publishing rights.

Question 1: Before the Trip.  Due 9:00pm, Friday, March 9, 2007

 

  1. Please explain why you decided to participate in the Legal Aid Alternative Break trip to the Gulf Coast.
  2. What goals do you hope to accomplish during the trip?
  3. What are your expectations for this trip?  For example, consider what type of legal work you are assigned, what kinds of legal assistance you believe those in the region still require, and what you anticipate the region to be like almost 1.5 years after the hurricane.

Question 2: After Legal Service.  Due 9:00pm, Friday, March 16, 2007

 

  1. Have you worked with students from other schools?  If so, what impressions do you have?
  2. Describe a moment or experience that has strongly impacted you since arriving in the Gulf Coast.
  3. Please answer one of the following questions:
    1. Have your expectations changed since arriving and working in the Gulf Coast?  If so, how?
    2. Have you faced an ethical or moral dilemma or issue during your assignment?  If so, please describe the situation and how you reacted.
    3. What have you noticed about the diversity of the local community?  Based on your observations, how do sex, race, age, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, religion, socio-economic status, etc. affect people’s relationships with one another?
  1. How have you perceived the reaction of those in the community to your presence in the region and your efforts to provide legal aid?
  2. What was your most meaningful moment or experience of the trip?

Question 3: Final evaluation.  Due 9:00pm, Sunday, March 25, 2007

  1. Would you recommend this trip to other students?
  2. How could this trip be improved?
  3. Did the seminars held by LAAB prior to and during the trip adequately prepare you for the challenges and experiences you faced during your work in the Gulf Coast?
  4. Do you think law school prepared you for the responsibilities required by your placement?  If so, were there any particular classes that were particularly helpful?  If not, why do you feel that law school did not adequately prepare you for the work you did?
  5. Please answer any of the following questions:

a.      Did you meet the goals you set prior to the trip?  Please explain.

b.     Do you feel you have made a tangible contribution to the efforts to rebuild the Gulf Coast?  If so, how?

c.      What specific legal skills did you practice or learn through your work at the organization?

d.     Has the week in the Gulf Coast impacted your career plans or goals?  If so, how?