A Comparative Study of Form-Focused and Communicative Methods of Language Teaching in ESP Courses

Abstract

Summary The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of the use of communicative methods and form-focused methods as implemented in English for Specific Purposes (ESP) courses. To accomplish this, two groups of management students were selected for the study. Each group consisted of 30 participants. Their level of proficiency in English and their subject matter knowledge were tested through a sample of IELTS and a pre-test. The two groups were at the same level of proficiency in both general English and English for Students of Management before receiving treatment in 20 sessions within a period of 75 days. Participants in Group A received a form-focused method with some occasional uses of their L1. In Group B, however, the participants were exposed to a communicative ESP course which exclusively relied on English the L2. After the period of treatment, the two groups were examined via a post-test. Results showed that Group B was more successful in the post-test. Moreover, the learners who were proficient in English and the subject matter achieved more from the communicative methods of language teaching in the ESP course. Findings imply that the nature of the subject matter, or whether it is theoretical or applied, could be a factor in deciding a method of language teaching for ESP courses.

Problem-Based Esp Methods for Teaching Future Air Traffic Controllers to Conduct Radio Exchange in Non-Routine Situations

“…The results of our research contribute to the understanding of what such professional readiness is and how problem-based ESP methods can facilitate its development. Our findings are in line with a number of authors' studies devoted to problem-based ESP methods tailored to certain professional activities (Gai, 2017;Chung-chien Chang, 2017;Hutchinson & Waters, 1987;Karimnia & Khosravani, 2018) as well as standards of ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization, 2004;International Civil Aviation Organization, 2009). In the context of our research, we consider communicative skills to be an integral part of professional readiness of future air traffic controllers to conduct radio exchange in non-routine situations, the other components being cognitive and functional ones together with motivation to study professionally focused language.…”

The Application of Wireless Sensor Technology of Internet of Things in Korean Language Teaching

“…The social function of education is realized through teachers. With the so-called "famous teachers produce high apprentices," teachers' teaching level and orientation of teaching materials are directly related to students' professional development and learning effect [14,15]. In colleges and universities, the number of Korean language teachers is sufficient, but the teachers' own teaching level and the ability of Korean language knowledge are not much different.…”