Module 4: Lesson 4 - ESP materials

Question 1

Explain the 5 steps taken to design an ESP course.

Answer 1

• Needs analysis: As these courses have a learner-centered approach, it is necessary to have a detailed account of what skills learners need in their working context, when and how they use them, what jargon they need to understand and use.
• Syllabus design: It is important to thoroughly research the course speciality, and then apply that knowledge to the decision-making process about the syllabus content. Know the competences the students should focus on attaining, and define the order in which they will be covered.
• Material selection: the materials used in ESP courses have be authentic and relevant to the professional content that the students will be exposed to in their working lives. It should also be appropriate for the skills that need to be focused on..
• Teaching: Finding a balance between necessary language content and subject content is key to a successful ESP course. This may require moving away from many traditional teaching practices, such as PPP in order to better cater to students’ needs.
• Evaluation: carry out ongoing evaluation, as the course syllabus and materials can be adapted as necessary, in order to better meet the needs of the students.

Question 2

Factors in choosing suitable material for ESP courses.

Answer 2

• Student’s needs: Not only do we need to take into account the general industry or profession that we are dealing with, but also the specific roles carried out by our students.
• Student’s current language proficiency: select material that is accessible on a linguistic level when possible.
• Authentic materials: Authentic material is any content that has not been produced specifically for use in the classroom, but rather is the material that students would encounter in their day-to-day operations at work.
• Ready-made materials: there has been a boom in the development of coursebooks for all kinds of specific purposes. This makes the search for appropriate materials much easier.
• Teacher’s expertise in subject matter: the more familiar you are with the speciality, the more effective your courses will be.

Question 3

Resources for ESP course lessons.

Answer 3

• Cambridge’s “Professional English in Use”: https://www.cambridge.es/en/catalogue/business-english/other-titles/professional-english-in-use
• IT Career Energizer: podcast
• Future Timeline: Blog https://www.futuretimeline.net/blog.htm
• Newspapers: Financial Times / The Guardian: https://www.ft.com/technology
• TED Talks