S.T.E.L.L.A.R.™
Study Law While Learning the Laws of Studying
One of Western State's key strengths is the instructional methodology we've developed that helps improve a student's learning process by teaching legal disciplines and theories while simultaneously providing students with strategies on how best to learn and study legal concepts. Our unique S.T.E.L.L.A.R.™ (Self-regulating Technology-equipped Expert Legal Learners Achieving Results) program empowers students to develop important study, research, and self-assessment skills that they will use both in law school as well as throughout their professional careers. 
Through a three-part combination of expert learning strategy, structured and supportive study groups, and digital learning techniques, Western State offers you a legal education that is both innovative and comprehensive-and that teaches you not only what to study but how to study. It is unlike any other introductory program at any other law school in the country.
Expert Learning Helps Create Legal Experts
ELLS-Expert Learning for Law Students- is part of Western State’s unique S.T.E.L.L.A.R.™ program that focuses on making your legal studies as effective, efficient, and appealing as possible. During your first three weeks at Western State, ELLS will teach you how to set goals for your learning, plan your time to optimize studying efficiency, create, adopt, and implement the best strategy for your personal learning experience, and monitor your learning to make sure you are achieving your desired goals. Moreover, ELLS will teach you how to get help when you need it and, even more importantly, evaluate the effectiveness of the learning strategies you have adopted.
Structured Study Groups and Digital Learning Build Vital Legal Skills
While most law schools leave it largely up to the student to determine how his or her studies are proceeding, our S.T.E.L.L.A.R.™ Program’s structured study groups offer the advantages of frequent peer and faculty feedback to help you determine how well you’re doing and where you need help. You will get special help in studying legal civics and ethics, and will develop skill in reading court opinions. Through cooperative learning techniques monitored by successful upper-level students, you will learn to demonstrate your subject mastery to peers, learn test-taking skills, and practice legal writing. In addition, our digital learning program complements traditional classroom study through the use of Internet-based chat rooms and individual course “blackboards” that make studying law much more interactive. Individual course websites allow faculty to provide systematic practice and feedback opportunities, offer study guides, and provide supplemental materials much more easily than via traditional law school teaching. Plus, students can access and work on these materials from anywhere they can connect to the Internet, even from work or home.
