Language for Specific Purposes or Language for Special Purposes is a well-established and distinctive part of foreign language teaching and learning based on identifying the specific language features and skills of target groups, and teaching the practices that recognize the learner’s particular subject-matter expertise. Because the focus of research and curriculum development has been upon English, as it is widely used in international science, technology, and trade, ESP is used more extensively (business English, scientific English, English for medical professionals, English for waiters).
Published in Chapter:
Project-Based Instruction for ESP in Higher Education
Irene Mamakou (University of Peloponnese, Greece and University of Athens, Greece)
Copyright: © 2009
|Pages: 24
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-59904-994-6.ch028
Abstract
Interest in the integration of language learning with knowledge/content construction is growing around the world. In this line, an instructional innovation to be applied in language for specific purposes (LSP) undergraduate courses is introduced. Project-based learning has been enhanced by an electronic platform; namely, e-Class, a learning management system, to amplify its impact. A threefold research into current theories on (a) key issues in LSP framework, (b) adult education, and (c) foreign language learning and pedagogical orientations leads us to this model. The result is an e-methodology, pedagogically rather than technology driven, for teaching/learning LSP in the framework of discipline-related, content-based instruction (CBI) and project work that will eventually enhance and modernize teaching and learning LSP and develop new study habits for learners by promoting self-directed, autonomous, active, and out-of-classroom learning, and by encouraging student engagement and academic socialization in the higher educational institution (HEI) to which they belong.