Publication details
Let´s dial Helsinki!
| Authors | |
|---|---|
| Year of publication | 2018 |
| Type | Conference abstract |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
| Citation | |
| Description | The aim of the talk is to share experience with a videoconferencing (VC) course with an online-intercultural-exchange-inspired (OIE, see e.g. ODowd 2006, Belz and Thorne, 2006, Helm and Guth, 2010) component run jointly between two universities in order to practice legal English. Videoconferencing in our case includes a large room system where two geographically distant groups of students meet in a virtual classroom. The presentation gives examples of good practice in terms of life-skills development, experiential learning and learner autonomy. It also discusses ways to deal with classroom dynamics with the number and maturity of students in mind. Needs analyses carried out among Faculty of Law graduates reveal their need to be able to negotiate, mediate and settle disputes through the medium of English. Developing international co-operation that would call for the need to speak in English during the sessions and simulate real situations allows students to practice their negotiation skills in English more naturally. |