ESP Learners' Perception of ESP Program Problems at Iranian Universities (A Case Study of Islamic Azad University Najafabad Branch)

Abstract

Admittedly, ESP courses are mainly designed to equip the students with the language skills which will allow them to function in the target situation or work domain. Realizing the need for more investigation, the present research examined problems of the ESP program in Iran focusing on ESP teachers' and learners' perception, with particular reference to Islamic Azad University Najafabad Branch. To fulfill the purposes of the study, 102 Iranian ESP learners (male and female) majoring in computer engineering, electronic engineering, and civil engineering, BSc level from Islamic Azad University of Najafabad participated in the study. The main instruments which were found appropriate for the purposes of the present research was a questionnaire consisting of some items related to ESP learners’ needs, attitudes. The results of the study suggest that students’ internal motivation to learn English can be the outcome of an ESP program in which learners’ needs, nature of students’ majors and their professional needs are the focus of attention.