Challenges of Teaching and Learning English Language for ESP Courses

Abstract

ESP as a branch of Applied Linguistics is concerned with teaching, testing methods, analysis of students’ demands and inquiry into the linguistic and discourse structures of specific texts. ESP is a very important subject in Universities nowadays for many reasons. Technology is mostly developed in English speaking countries and specialized language is so widely used in all walks of life. ESP courses aim to prepare students with skills and vocabulary required in their studies and professions. They have to attend conferences, workshops and seminars worldwide and specific terminology is intertwined with their research area. In the case of teaching and learning English for IT, being familiar with the technical terms, translation of equivalent terms, using specific language in communication, are among the challenges. Grammar is an important skill for language mastery though not included in ESP course books and syllabi. Compiling adequate syllabuses based on the five skills including Grammaring is crucial. Through this paper it is aimed to present challenges of Teaching English for IT students, and suggest effective teaching techniques to overcome them. It is observed and hinted that ESP lecturers teach with more than one coursebook including materials drawn from real life, this way introducing a new and effective approach to teaching ESP. Professional knowledge is never enough in a certain study area. Communication and performance are the key for success or failure in the long run of ongoing education. 

Received: 29 March 2021 / Accepted: 23 June 2021 / Published: 8 July 2021