The Legal Studies Case Brief Assignment: Developing the Reading Comprehension Bridge to Critical Thinking
Maxine Morgan-Thomas

Abstract
Many students entering colleges and universities today are underprepared for the academic demands of the higher-level learning experience. Severe deficiencies in reading and critical thinking skills prove to be persistent stumbling blocks for students as they encounter assignments that require application of these imperative skills. In response to this reality, many scholars maintain that instruction in critical thinking and critical reading should be integrated throughout the undergraduate curricula, part and parcel with course content. This paper discusses the integration of both critical thinking and critical reading instruction in legal studies courses. The author offers that the case brief preparation exercise is a multi-purpose pedagogical tool effective for fostering students’ critical reading and critical thinking abilities, while concurrently teaching course content. Further, the author suggests reading proficiency is an indispensible prerequisite for students to be able to successfully tackle critical thinking assignments. Finally, instructional methods specific to these objectives are described.

Full Text: PDF