Promoting pragmatic awareness and spoken discourse skills with EAP classes

Abstract

The development of speaking skills in EAP (English for Academic Purposes) courses is a relatively neglected and under-researched area of ESL teaching which relates to a problem facing overseas students preparing for courses in Australian universities. It has become increasingly clear that many of them have difficulty interacting professionally and socially with their native-speaking (NS) peers and teachers in academic contexts. This article draws on recorded data from a recently completed classroom research project, carried out by an EAP class in South Australia, to describe a process which allows non-native speaking (NNS) learners to experience authentic oral interaction with NSs, as well as providing opportunities for them to reflect on the linguistic and socio-pragmatic features of spoken discourse as they arise. This heightened awareness of language in context can build confidence in the learners' oral skills, and may enhance academic performance.