NCJ Number
91148
Date Published
1974
Length
51 pages
Annotation
The first four sections of this training handbook deal with paralegal training in general (planning, trainer roles, role playing as a teaching tool, and film and videotape as training tools), while the final section is devoted exclusively to teaching interviewing techniques.
Abstract
The discussion on planning a training program focuses on the trainees; trainers; the setting; materials, equipment, and props; program content; scheduling; and evaluation. Trainer roles are portrayed as producer, director, teacher, and evaluator. The section on role playing as a teaching tool addresses planning the exercises, starting the role playing, directing the role players, and critiquing the exercise. The benefits of film and videotape in training are listed. Following a discussion of the principles and issues of teaching interviewing techniques, attention is given to the application of the knowledge gained in the training. Ten exercises dealing with the major issues in interviewing are then presented. The purpose of each exercise is stated, followed by instructions for the trainer on how to conduct the session. Subjects covered in the exercises are the paralegal role, establishing rapport, client confidentiality, explaining client's right to an administrative hearing, client eligibility, listening to clients, nonverbal behavior, fact gathering, developing a plan of action and closing the interview, and a summary of previous skills. The final exercise involves role playing an entire interview so as to apply the knowledge gained in the previous sections. The appendixes provide a trainer's bibliography of eight listings, along with other practical discussions of details of conducting training programs. See NCJ-91147 for related material.