Identify essential introductory topics. These may include subheadings such as using online law libraries, developing research skills and writing torts and wills. Ask your colleagues if you overlooked any essential areas.
Decide on which materials you will use. Each topic may have its own particular book, or there may be topic-related CDs or downloads available. A teacher always has to develop both materials she will use and resources she will recommend.
Draw up a course outline. You may want to send this by email in advance so students have an opportunity to review it before they arrive for the introduction class. Clearly identify times, dates, expectations, assignments and evaluations.
Know your subject matter. The best teacher in the world can deliver the worst lecture if he is not familiar with the topic. Make sure you know a lot about the topics you are teaching in the introduction to paralegal studies.
Determine what sort of teaching methodology you are going to use to teach the introduction to paralegal studies. Will it be lecture based or will you have students do group work and report back to the class? Include this information in your outline.
Practice teaching. Stand in front of a full-length mirror and deliver the lecture to yourself. This allows you to see movements or gestures you may want to correct. Tape or video your lecture and then review it. This can be uncomfortable, but it is what the paralegal students you are teaching will see when you stand in front of the class with your introduction, so you want to get it right.
Evaluate your introduction to paralegal studies. You may want to do this formally -- with a questionnaire -- or informally -- by casually asking students what they think of the introduction while the class is in progress. At the end of the course, have a written evaluation you can use to fine-tune the next introduction to paralegal studies you teach.