Creative Methodologies in Teaching English for Engineering Students

Abstract

The present paper is an argument in favor of a consistent application of creative educational methods in the process of teaching English for Specific Purposes (ESP). The theoretical part explores the role and function of creativity in the context of the changing paradigm regarding the overall scope of the educational system in general and of the specialized language learning in particular, highlighting a series of factors pertaining to creative methodologies in ESP. This changing paradigm is triggered by the application of Industry 4.0 principles not only in the industrial sector, but also in the educational domains which form the professionals who will be acting in the Industry 4.0 context. The study addresses problems faced by language instructors in achieving success in the acquisition of foreign language skills and competences by ESP students given the specifics of the language teaching process. It aims to demonstrate the advantages of applying creative and innovative methods in teaching ESP and to illustrate the conditions and factors which determine the best choice of methodologies, materials and activities involved in teaching English in technical academic environments. The research highlights the importance of the language instructor’s choice of teaching strategies, materials and techniques in achieving overall language success. The application of creative methods in teaching ESP is one of the factors contributing to increased student motivation, which is one of the essential preconditions of the successful practice of language skills in a professional language context.