ENGLISH FOR SPECIFIC PURPOSES: CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES AND CURRICULUM PLANNING STEPS

Abstract

Knowledge of a foreign language opens new prospects of mobility and collaboration for professionals in the modern world. Education authorities recognize the increased role that foreign languages, especially English, play in the professional development of future specialists and try to introduce this subject at tertiary level. Such courses are aimed at preparing students to effectively communicate in English in their work settings. However, many university students do not have work experience in their field of specialization, or they do not know what language skills they might need in their future work. Thus, the choice of course content and teaching methods depends on the instructor who seldom has clearly defined national guidelines to rely on. The study focuses on characteristics of English for Specific Purposes (ESP). The research outlines the approaches to ESP curriculum development and planning. The paper outlines the prerequisites and methods of analysing learners’ expectations and goals. The study determines what components of course content help to align aims, form, and conditions of educational activities with the students’ future professional roles. The research sets to analyze ESP students’ goals and expectations employing qualitative and quantitative techniques. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7220/2335-2027.7.4