APPROACHES TO ESP TRAINING (Nur Iylia Rusli, 172229)

  ESP (English Specific Purposes) is a basic knowledge that language can be thought of as a tool for communication rather than the language that contained grammatical, lexical and phonological items to be memorized.

  ESP is also a subordinate to the English language since it is defined to meet specific purposes of the learners. The learning content, themes, topics and tasks is basically related to a specific discipline or profession. For example, English for business just focuses on the English learning for business purposes only. Meanwhile, another theory for ESP is Discourse-oriented Theory which is related to culture, society and also the world.

  ESP is an important subcomponent of language teaching with its own approaches such as materials design, pedagogy and methods. The main aim of ESP is to prepare the learners to communicate effectively in the tasks prescribed by their study or work situation. Thus, ESP is usually more focused in their aims and makes use of a narrower range topics.

TYPES OF APPROACHES TO ESP TRAINING

1) Skill-based Approach

      The basic theoretical hypothesis of this view is that underlying any language behaviour are certain skills and strategies which the learner uses in order to produce or comprehend discourse.

2) Language-Centred Approach

    This approach uses learners as a means for identifying the target situation, the type of register and discourse for creating the objectives, materials and evaluations for the course. Student plays no further part in the process of syllabus design.

3) Learner-Centred Approach

   This model places the student in the centre of the learning process. Students are to be active participants who learn at their own pace and use their own strategies.

4) Task-Based Approach

    This way of teaching makes learners use language in tasks that reflect real life. Problem saving is      an element in tasks, for which students need to use the target language. Students accomplish this       by  using whatever language resources they possess.

5) Content-Based Instruction

    This kind of instruction focuses on using real life subject matters as vehicles for teaching. Students use the language to fulfil a real purpose (e.g. research, entertainment) which gets students more motivated to learning.

6) Learning-Centred Approach

   This approach states that learning should be seen in the context in which it takes place. Besides being a mental process learning also implies a negotiation between individuals and society. Society sets the target and individuals must do their best to get as close to that target as possible.

 References/ Read Up

Links:

1)      https://prezi.com/7xbzvpkpcf_g/approaches-to-esp-teaching/

Books:

2)      Developing Courses in English for Specific Purposes by Helen Basturkmen