Peer feedback in legal English classes: benefits and challenges

DILLINGEROVÁ, Štěpánka. Peer feedback in legal English classes: benefits and challenges. In EULETA LEGAL ENGLISH CONFERENCE VIII. 2023.

Basic information

• Original name: Peer feedback in legal English classes: benefits and challenges
• Authors: DILLINGEROVÁ, Štěpánka.
• Edition: EULETA LEGAL ENGLISH CONFERENCE VIII, 2023.

Other information

• Original language: English
• Type of outcome: Presentations at conferences
• Field of Study: 60200 6.2 Languages and Literature
• Country of publisher: Poland
• Confidentiality degree: is not subject to a state or trade secret
• Organization unit: Language Centre
• Keywords in English: legal English; English for Specific Purposes; peer feedback; oral and written production
• Tags: International impact, Reviewed

Abstract

Peer feedback is an effective tool for enhancing language skills in general as it helps students be aware of various factors involved in the performance of others as well as theirs. In this way, it promotes critical thinking and increases confidence, motivation, and interaction. In my presentation, I intend to give examples of activities from legal English courses for law undergraduates in which peer feedback proved to be successful. They will include lawyer-client interviews, presentations, and legal correspondence. In order to be effective, peer feedback requires careful preparation, especially if students are not experienced in this type of task. I will share various methods I use for scaffolding peer feedback giving, discuss both the benefits and challenges, and provide practical suggestions for integrating peer feedback into legal English classes. I will deal with both written and oral feedback and analyze the students´ evaluation of the described activities and their impact. Even though organizing efficient and meaningful peer feedback can be demanding, the benefits outweigh the efforts invested.