Chapter Three
Paralegal Correspondence Courses
The ABA does approve some online programs. However, it does not endorse correspondence paralegal programs. Correspondence courses – sometimes called distance courses – generally work like this: Your instructor assigns you work. You complete your assignment; write a letter to the instructor with any questions you may have, and mail the assignment and your letter to the instructor. Once the instructor receives your package, he’ll grade your assignment and respond to your letter.
There are several major disadvantages to traditional correspondence courses. First, you’re not going to get the personal interaction that even an online program will allow. Some correspondence courses do provide students with a number they can call should they need immediate help. But, that number doesn’t generally connect them right to the instructor.
Second, the time it takes to communicate back and forth between instructor and student is often substantial. For example, you may need a week to complete an assignment. You complete the assignment and mail it to the instructor which, in all likelihood, takes a few days. The instructor then needs time to grade the work and answer your questions before mailing it back.
If you are considering a traditional correspondence paralegal program, make sure you find out exactly how it works. Make sure you ask plenty of questions, including those listed previously, as well as:
How can I get in touch with the instructor if I have an urgent question?
How long do students typically have to complete an assignment?
How long do students have to complete the whole program?
How long does it generally take for an instructor to respond to a letter and an assignment? Is there a certain amount of time in which the instructor must respond?
Next: Chapter Three: WARNING: Red flags to look for
Previous: Chapter Three: What about online paralegal programs?
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