TEACHING AVIATION ENGLISH

Abstract

Teaching aviation translators involves the simultaneous provision of broad branch competence and narrow specialization. This study is aimed to test whether the application of the Content and Language Integrated Learning Method (CLIM) is effective while teaching Aviation English and enhancing translation skills at the aviation university. The experimental study was conducted within the framework of an elective course designed as an English language program with a professional focus on "Translation in the Aviation Industry" for future graduates majoring in Translation. The experiment involved 95 students, with one academic group designated as the experimental group (n = 44) and the second as the control group (n = 51). The study followed a pretest-posttest experimental design. In the pretest stage, the homogeneity of CLIM and non-CLIM groups was statistically proved by the χ2 Pearson Correlation Coefficient. The experimental group received the CLIM methodology, while the control group was taught by a traditional approach. The post-test took into account both linguistic and content-related learning outcomes aimed at improving English proficiency in the aviation-oriented and translation direction within the CLIM and non-CLIM research groups. The research findings demonstrated that experimental group had significantly outperformed the control group during the final test. Teaching Aviation English and enhancing translation skills through the application of the CLIM method which encompassed aviation podcasts, subject matter videos, professional literature overview, stakeholders’ involvement, and engagement in the aviation environment, are effective.