Saudi English for specific purpose students’ attitudes toward the learning of English language: An investigative study

Abstract

Students’ attitudes are usually consulted before launching any learning/teaching program since they are the center of the learning process. This study is also motivated by such an aim as it gauges the attitudes of Saudi health track students on learning English for specific purpose (ESP). Furthermore, the students’ perceptions toward the culture of English are sought. It also explores the factors that impact the students in their endeavors. The study applies mixed methods by conducting a survey and follow-up interviews to gather information from 57 Saudi students enrolled at the preparatory year program (PYP), and interviews with 25 students. Findings show that the students have a moderately positive attitude toward learning English. Further, students’ responses aggregate toward moderate attitudes toward learning the target culture. In addition to that, the study reports some factors which shape the students’ positive attitudes toward learning English: (1) teaching quality, (2) classroom scenario, and (3) classroom environment. The study indicates the necessity of engaging students in a relaxed learning environment. As far as the English as a foreign language (EFL) teachers are concerned, they need to take into consideration their students’ interests while preparing and delivering the lectures.

Changing visions in ESP development and teaching: Past, present, and future vistas

“…From another perspective, Yang and Wyatt (2021) asserted the crucial role of cultural influences on improving Chinese ESP teachers’ cognitions about motivation and motivational practices, with suggestions on how the Confucius heritage, as a deep-seated Chinese cultural feature, can be conceptually applied to ESP courses for East Asian countries as a point of cross-cultural awareness. Learning English without understanding its cultural context is a definite risk ( Alharbi, 2022 ), and as a future vista, this concern should continue to pervade in the application of an ESP pedagogical framework.…”

ESP Instruction in Morocco: A Study of University Students’ Attitudes and Perceptions

“…that they understand that learning a new language implies exploring a new world. This, in turn, goes hand-in-hand withAlharbi's (2022) findings that Saudi healthcare students have positive attitudes towards learning English for specific purposes because, in addition to other instrumental benefits, it helps them discover a new society, a new people, and a new culture. As…”

“…Departing from the assumption that attitude can significantly impact English language learning in general (Gardner, 2000;Karahan, 2007;Tahaineh & Daana, 2013), and ESP performance in particular (Loan, 2017;Martinović & Poljaković, 2010), Alharbi (2022) explored Saudi health care students' attitudes towards learning English for specific purposes. To meet this end, the researcher administered a questionnaire to 57 students of the preparatory year program (PYP) in the College of Applied Health Sciences and interviewed 25 of them.…”

Intercultural Communication in ESP Education

“…The crucial role of cultural influences on improving Chinese ESP teachers' cognitions about motivation and motivational practices, with suggestions on how the Confucius heritage, as a deep-seated Chinese cultural feature, can be conceptually applied to ESP courses for East Asian countries as a point of cross-cultural awareness. [1] With the deepening development of globalization, the demand for intercultural communication is continually evolving and growing. To meet this demand, ESP education needs continuous innovation and adjustment of teaching strategies to ensure that learners can not only communicate effectively in language but also demonstrate a high level of adaptability and sensitivity in culturally diverse backgrounds.…”