Module 4: Lesson 3 - Principles of ESP

Question 1

What is meant by teaching English for specific purposes (ESP)?

Name 4 examples

Answer 1

It’s focused on using English in very specific contexts, such as English for medical practitioners or English for aviation.

The objective of an ESP course is not to learn how to use English in an everyday context, but rather to learn to use the English language in a job-related, specific context.

Examples:
- English for aviation
- English for engineering
- English for architecture
- English for medical purposes

Question 2

What are the 4 principles for teaching ESP?

Answer 2

• It requires a learner-centered teaching approach: a thorough Needs Analysis must be carried out before designing the syllabus of any ESP course.
• The content is based on disciplines or occupations: the course content is focused solely on what English is necessary for these professions and should be applicable to what workers encounter in real life in their jobs.
• It requires specific skills for specific learners: an ESP course may focus solely on one or two skills, if that is what the learners will need in their professional lives.
• Utilize your learners as a resource: it is essential that ESP teachers learn to take advantage of their students’ expertise in the subject matter when planning a class or considering materials for use in the classroom.

Question 3

What would an ESP needs analysis contain?

Answer 3

• Basic information about the student.
• Their background in learning English. - Their work profile, along with much more detailed knowledge regarding their day-to-day responsibilities.
• The areas in which they use English.
• What English skills they need to fulfill their duties.

Question 4

Name 3 elements an ESP needs analysis will contain.

Answer 4

TSA: Targer Situation Analysis
The evaluation of the professional tasks and activities that students will need to do when communicating in English.

LSA: Learning Situation Analysis
Takes into account factors such as students’ preferred learning styles, the context in which they are learning, and other related factors which will affect how they learn.

PSA: Present Situation Analysis
Focuses on analyzing what the students’ current language skills are, along with examining their strengths and weaknesses.

Question 5

What 4 things are considered when it comes to specialist knowledge when teaching ESP?

Answer 5

• Language experts, not subject experts
• Familiar is enough
• Preparation is key
• Use your learner’s knowledge