Abstract

ENGLISH FOR SPECIFIC PURPOSES (ESP) IN TECHNOLOGICAL AND VOCATIONAL HIGHER EDUCATION IN ABROAD

Mrs. Sonia

Volume: 3 Issue: 2 2013

Abstract:

This paper is in an attempt to examine ‘English for Specific Purposes” (ESP) in technological and vocational higher education in Abroad. The view of the heads and teachers of Applied Foreign Language/ English Department towards ESP in four selected technological and vocational institutes/ universities and the perceptions of teachers and students towards ESP in a particular university of technology were investigated. The former was conducted by interview to seek the heads and teachers ‘ view and attitudes towards ESP and the difficulties they have encountered. The latter was conducted by questionnaire to obtain teachers and students’ perceptions towards ESP. It was found that the DAFL/DAE faces many challenges in light of ESP. ESP is neither recognised nor its specific purposes served. Teacher training to teach ESP is also inadequate. The perceptions of ESP between teachers and students were found different. And this mismatch may lead to a gap between teaching and learning or between teacher and student expectations. The ESP students perceived the relationship between ESP courses and their future career positively. A majority of teachers considered the content of ESP courses was practical and beneficial to the students’ future careers. It is concluded that ESP should be incorporated in specific courses, in order to promote satisfactory attainment in English competence and specific knowledge, and so contribute effectively to meeting the growing demands of industry.

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