ESP - A TEACHING APPROACH FOR TECHNICAL UNIVERSITIES
ESP - A TEACHING APPROACH FOR TECHNICAL UNIVERSITIES

Summary/Abstract: The globalisation of economy and the continuous increase of international communication in various fields involve career-specific terminology in order to coordinate research and to deliver professional services. Consequently, the demand for English for Specific Purposes is expanding in technical universities. This requires a special language teaching approach, that combines subject matter and English language teaching. Students approach the study of English through a domain which they have already studied. This approach is focused more on language in context than on teaching lexical structures and grammar. This article points out that ESP should be taught as a subject matter important to students, integrated in their real professional world. An ESP course design should start from analysing the students’ particular needs and wants. Based on students’ needs and their future language use, the goals and objectives of the course can be determined. This process involves consideration of specific grammatical functions, terminology comprehension, and the abilities required for future workplace communication. Before starting an ESP course the students should acquire thorough professional knowledge taught during university lectures, laboratory sessions and seminars. Reinforcing professional notions, concepts, and ideas through English vocabulary and structures integrated in meaningful contexts increases the students' motivation. They start using what they learn in their ESP courses right away in their professional work and studies. The ESP approach will enhance the students' interest in their domain and will motivate them to use professional publications and to interact with specialists from other countries.

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