AUGMENTING STUDENT ENGAGEMENT IN LEGAL ENGLISH LESSONS EMPLOYING CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES

Legal English seems to be extremely challenging for learners, as it not only requires a thoroughly foundational knowledge of basic English but also in-depth legal knowledge to excel in this subject. During the process of teaching English for specific purpose couse in legal field, the author noticed that student participation in the classes was still limited, which demotivated both teachers and leaners in making up effective and exciting lessons. In addition, this also deprives students interest in learning and their opportunity to be equipped specialized language skills for future careers. That fact urged a research to be conducted with the purpose of exploring the reasons why students do not actively participate in classroom activities, as well as which activities can enhance student participation in class sessions. The study was conducted on the class N06 – K45 consisting of 24 students enrolled in the Legal English course – the high quality bachelor’s program at Hanoi Law University. After 14 weeks of direct instructions, activities aimed at encouraging student participation were implemented. The research results have identified the reasons why students limit their participation in activities, as well as the factors that help enhance student participation in activities when teachers implement them in the classroom.