SQE methodology
The methods behind effective SQE revision. These articles unpack proven learning techniques – active recall, spaced repetition, application of law over rote memorisation and the Miller pyramid – to help you study smarter, not harder, for the solicitors qualifying exam.
Statistics demonstrate that there is a significant underperformance of black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates (BAME) on both the GDL and the LPC. The SQE 1 pilot also resulted in white candidates performing better than BAME candidates which lead to a further review of the design of the SQE.
Of the many indicators of upcoming changes to the legal profession, liberalisation of legal services initiated by the SRA is perhaps the most demonstrative one. Since at least 2013, the body has been consistently implementing initiatives aimed at simplifying regulations in the legal profession and removing those not in the public interest.
SQE is designed to have 2 stages, of which SQE stage 1 is going to assess the candidates’ knowledge at point of admission. The method selected to achieve this objective is multiple-choice questions.
The original pyramid was designed by the American psychologist George Miller in 1990 as a framework for assessing doctors’ clinical competence. This framework distinguishes between knowledge at the lower levels and action at the highest level.