A Tool to Enhance Information Literacy

Dennis Kessinger

Dennis Kessinger
Certified Core Adjunct, National University

Jason Chu

Jason Chu
Contributing Editor

Rene Descartes' philosophical epiphany - "Cogito ergo sum" - has a parallel in legal research and, by extension, in all forms of academic research, analysis, and writing. The law student's tool of IRAC (Issue, Rule, Analysis, and Conclusion) can also help undergraduates of any discipline to thrive both analytically and academically. By utilizing the IRAC model, a student can address the Issue ("Is the source valid?"), the Rule ("Is there a reputable origin validating the writing?"), the Analysis (a weighting of the source and competing sources), and whether the Conclusion (validity based on due diligence research) is proven.

This session will show how the IRAC approach will lead inexorably to a supportable conclusion and how IRAC can enhance critical thinking by creating a repeatable and verifiable framework to both synthesize research and validate conclusions across a number of disciplines, not just law.

Presenters

Dennis Kessinger, J.D., M.A. has worked in public sector administration for over 30 years and teaches law, public administration, and literature courses as a certified core adjunct for National University. He also currently works in a California District Attorney's office.

Jason Chu is Education Director for Turnitin. His focus is on working to build resources for educators, and his personal passion is to find better ways to enhance student achievement. He will be moderating this webinar.