All Things Mock Trial: Recent Episodes
Lauren Barnes
The All Things Mock Trial Podcast explores the mock trial experience with middle and high school students as well as experts in the field. Mockers exchange views on building cases to competing in tournaments and all things in-between the classroom and the courtroom. Please join our sidebar conversations.
Our guests are three 2021 Harlan High School graduates. In this episode, "Seniors' Reflections," these long-time mockers share their experiences and offer insights for new mockers. Also, John Wheeler, Director for the Iowa State Bar Association, Center for Law and Civic Education, joins the discussion.
‘’Homeschool Mockers’’ from the Marion Home School program placed in the top 5 at the 2020 Iowa Middle School Mock Trial State Tournament. These mockers Sarah, Cayden, and Olivia, along with their coach, Dana Miller, share their views. Also, John Wheeler, Director for the Iowa State Bar Association, Center for Law and Civic Education, joins the discussion.
Iowa City High School, the 2021 National High School Mock Trial Runner-Up, shares the phenomenal story of their “Path to Nationals”. Listen to team members Shoshanna, Tobey, and Madelyn, along with their coach, Lisa Williams. In addition, John Wheeler, Director, ISBA Center for Law & Civic Education, who leads the Iowa mock trial program joins our conversation.
Welcome to the All Things Mock Trial podcast! Today, our podcast episode, Virtual is Now, features guests from Johnston Middle School, the 2020 Iowa Middle School Mock Trial State Runner-Up.
Kaylee, a middle school mocker, along with her coach, Molly McConnell discuss theater techniques with improv and backstory for character development.
Also, John Wheeler, Director for The Iowa State Bar Association, Center for Law and Civic Education, who leads the Iowa mock trial program provides guidance on competing in a virtual setting.
In this episode, we discuss:
- What were challenges and benefits in coaching your practice sessions?
- What guidance can you provide students to succeed in the new virtual environment?
- Assuming that next year we return to in-person tournaments, what elements from virtual tournaments are you planning to implement for in-person tournaments?
- What quirks did you choose to play for the character witness?
Points to Ponder: * ‘‘Create a backstory for your character. If you can internalize your character, once your witness that's when the persona...comes out ’’.
Coach * ''Don't be afraid that it [virtual mock trial] is new and experimental''.
Student
What is Mock Trial in One Word?
''Mock trial is Life-Changing''.
“Mock trial is Inspiring.”
“Mock trial is Affirming''.
Welcome to the All Things Mock Trial podcast! Today, our podcast episode, A New Virtual, features guests from Harding Middle School, the 2020 Iowa Middle School Mock Trial State Champion.
Malick and Lilian who are 8th grade mockers, along with their mock trial coach, Shannon Haas share views on competing in Iowa’s first virtual tournament.
Also, John Wheeler, Director for The Iowa State Bar Association, Center for Law and Civic Education, who leads the Iowa mock trial program. To provide an inside look, he joins the discussion on launching A New Virtual tournament.
In this episode, we discuss:
- What was your initial reaction to A New Virtual middle school mock trial program in Iowa ?
- What skills did you gain from participating in the virtual mock trial tournament that are benefiting you in middle school?
- Assuming that next year, we return to in-person tournaments, what elements from the virtual tournaments are you planning to implement?
- What did you learn from the comments provided by the judging panel of two appellate court judges, a Justice from the Iowa Supreme Court and other attorneys?
- How can students learn more about the mock trial program in their state?
Points to Ponder:
*‘‘It was one of my best performances…I can adapt and change to unfamiliar circumstances’’.
-Student*
*‘‘It [virtual mock trial] was the most normal thing students got to do this Fall…It was still mock trial’’ .
- Coach*
What is Mock Trial in One Word?
“Mock trial is motivational.”