Benchmark Institute is a training and performance development 
            organization dedicated to increasing the quality and quantity of 
            legal services to low-income communities. 
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      Benchmark
      Learning Philosophy
      
     
       Learn by Doing 
      
       
      People retain knowledge and skills if they have
      immediate and repeated opportunities to practice what is learned.
      
      Informal Atmosphere 
      
       
      Learning increases in an atmosphere that is the
      least 
      reminiscent of any formal schooling
      
      Variety of Methods 
      
       
      Research has demonstrated that learning proceeds
      most quickly when information reaches the learner through more than one
      sensory channel. We use methods directed at the visual, auditory and kinesthetic channels.
      
      Guidance Not Grades 
      
       
      We use no devices for comparative evaluation of your
      progress. We offer honest individualized feedback with explicit
      performance standards. We help you set achievable learning goals and
      suggest ways to meet them.
      
      No Tricks, Traps or Red Herrings 
      
       
      Such artifice hinders and sometimes prevents
      learning.
      
      Learning by Layering 
      
       
      We believe in layering information 
      basic information first, followed by exercises and
      experiences to use and practice applying the information. We aim to set cognitive hooks in the mind so that 
      you can identify
      issues, recognize critical information in life-like situations. We do not believe in memorize and
      regurgitate.
      
      
      Learning How to Learn 
      
      
      Information and knowledge are increasing
      exponentially. A key skill is learning how to improve your ability to
      learn. First steps are becoming aware of the value in setting learning 
	  goals and identifying your preferred sensory channels for taking in 
	  information. 
       
		
		
      Guidelines for Participation 
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       All persons here are of equal worth and value; all opinions are
      valued and needed.
      
       
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        Be Present
          Minimize distractions; avoid multitasking. Participate. 
		If you tend to be quiet in group situations, work on increasing your 
		contributions  we're here to learn from one another. Avoid monopolizing 
		the discussion by talking too much or too long.
    Listen.
          We all will be speaking from our experiences; we
          talk about what is true for us. We agree to listen to one another with
          respect. Areas will arise where we agree to disagree.
    
		Ask Questions Asking questions is a great way to learn; it is 
		not a sign of weakness. Help create an atmosphere where it is easy to 
		for everyone to ask questions. | 
       
      
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        Express your needs and expectations
          constructively.
          Let us know what you need and expect. Please do
          it in a way that maximizes the possibility that people will hear you
          and respond. | 
       
      
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        Explore new
      options, perceptions and assumptions;
        consider new
      experiences before passing judgment.
     Extend yourself, take risks, make
          mistakes in pursuit of learning.  Learning doesnt happen if you dont. | 
       
      
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         Honor
      confidentiality.
      
          
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         Cheat! Work and 
        share information with other people. 
    Give feedback
          in an honest way that helps others. 
          Please speak in I terms: I think; I feel; I believe; Its been my 
          experience that. 
    
		Feedback
        is a gift. Be open to receiving it from others, try to understand not defend. 
          
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         Be on time for
      sessions. 
      
          
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         Do your best. Enjoy!
      
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