ESP for College English in Agricultural Universities ─ with Yunnan Agricultural University as an Example

Abstract

With the introduction and supplementation of ESP, especially with the publication and application of an ESP coursebook named Comprehensive English for Agriculture in the New Century, we have gradually revitalized College English in YAU, for ESP has effectively bridged students’ daily English learning and their desirable acquisition of special terms and knowledge pertinent to their respective majors. Through deepening reforms and renewing practices of College English teaching and learning, ESP has been becoming more and more popular with teachers and students in YAU. This paper discusses and analyzes how to make progressive teaching and learning with the book, how to stimulate and maintain students’ interest in learning and using English with hyperlinks attached to each unit, and how to integrate ESP teaching and learning with CET-4 and CET-6. Besides, this paper also depicts the difficulties like the shortage of qualified ESP teachers, the adaptation of teachers and students to the innovative and challenging practices, and comes up with some initiatory countermeasures to overcome the obstacles.