CONSIDERATIONS ON ESP COURSES FOR STUDENTS IN ENGINEERING IN A ROMANIAN ACADEMIC SETTING
CONSIDERATIONS ON ESP COURSES FOR STUDENTS IN ENGINEERING IN A ROMANIAN ACADEMIC SETTING

Summary/Abstract: This paper aims at describing the most important approaches to ESP and their relevance to the teaching of English for Engineering in a particular academic setting. The major factors in the development of ESP have been identified and reviewed with an emphasis on the analysis of the linguistic factor-the nature of specific varieties of language use. ESP should be seen not as any particular language product but as an approach to teaching which is directed by specific and apparent reasons for learning. It relies on authenticity of text and context and careful needs assessment therefore it is largely dependent upon the necessity for English use in various parts of the world. The intent of this paper is to provide a theoretical support to the ESL teacher as ESP course designer and materials provider and a practical activity to be delivered to the 1 st year ESP students. This paper presents a historical perspective of ESP. Some key concepts about ESP are then addressed: needs analysis, teacher’s role, learners’ attitude, objectives etc. It is the responsibility of educators who support the principles of ESP to remain flexible and well informed so that they may understand the needs of new learners and the discourse of the new teaching context.

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