Term

Spring 2022

Capstone

Thesis

Degree Name

MA-TESOL

Primary Advisor/Dissertation Chair

Julia Reimer

Secondary Advisor/Reader One

Liz Derr

Abstract

The research question addressed in this study was: what qualifications do Brazilian English as a Foreign Language teachers and students perceive Legal English teachers should possess if the objective is to prepare Brazilian legal practitioners whose first language is not English to be academically or professionally competitive within the world of Legal English? Topics explored in the literature review include distinctions between ESL and ESP, needs analysis in Legal English programs, and qualifications for teaching Legal English. A mixed methodology approach was utilized. Both quantitative and qualitative data collection tools were used, and consisted of a survey and interviews of both EFL students and teachers. Data revealed that Brazilian EFL teachers and students differed as to how they perceived the importance attributed to a LE teacher holding a law degree from a common-law country. Data also revealed that the EFL teachers and students differed as to how they perceived the importance attributed to a LE teacher holding EFL teaching degrees and possessing EFL pedagogical skills. Ultimately, the results suggested that EFL teachers and students differ with regards to the qualifications they perceive effective LE teachers should possess. Limitations, implications, and recommendations for future research were discussed.

Research Methodology

Interview, Survey (attitude scale, opinion, questionnaire)

Keywords

ESL/ ELLs, International Teaching, Teachers/ Teaching

dc_type

text

dc_publisher

DigitalCommons@Hamline

dc_format

application/pdf

dc_source

School of Education Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations

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