Article 2024

Instructors’ and Students’ Viewpoints of Implementing Project-based Learning Technique in Teaching and Learning Legal English at Higher Education Institutions in Vietnam

Teaching English Language
Journal · Vol. 18 · Issue 2 · pp. 285-320
Abstract

Legal English is a specialized branch of English for Specific Purposes that focuses on the language used in legal contexts. It involves understanding and using legal terminology, drafting legal documents, interpreting legal texts, and engaging in legal reasoning and advocacy. Therefore, teaching and learning legal English render unique challenges, as it requires linguistic proficiency and an understanding of legal concepts and practices. This study explored project-based learning technique (PBL), which was particularly beneficial in legal English because they provide a practical framework for applying language skills in authentic legal tasks. The study employed the mixed-methods approach with the researcher-made survey questionnaire for 385 instructors and semi-structured interviews with 86 university students in English as a foreign language country. The participants expressed their viewpoints on implementing PBL activities to teach and learn legal English. Overall, the instructors and the students had similar perspectives by Instructors’ and Students’ … favouring the practical implementation of PBL activities in teaching and learning legal English to modernize and align with global standards. The comparative analysis of instructors’ and students’ viewpoints indicates that project-based learning activities help learners use legal English in contextually meaningful ways, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. Thus, institutions should invest in teacher professional development, providing training on PBL design, assessment, and facilitation. Additionally, implementing PBL activities encourage instructors to reform their pedagogical practices. Whistle, students should be equipped with guidance and support to help them develop the skills needed for successful PBL participation. © 2024, Teaching English Language and Literature Society of Iran (TELLSI). All rights reserved.

Keywords

Author Keywords

Project-Based Learning higher education institutions Legal English Student-Centred Approach Viewpoints

Index Keywords

Author Affiliations
Hanoi Procuratorate University, Hanoi, Viet Nam
Hanoi Law University, Hanoi, Viet Nam
Funding & Acknowledgements
No funding information
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