ENG029 ENGLISH FOR SPECIFIC PURPOSES

MODULE 3
THE TEACHER, THE STUDENT, AND ENGLISH FOR SPECIFIC PURPOSES

English for Specific Purposes (ESP)

ESP is like a tailor-made suit for your language needs! It's not just any English; it's English that's crafted
for specific situations. Imagine learning English not just for chatting with friends, but for a particular
purpose, like business, science, or even medicine. So, ESP is all about tailoring language learning to fit
real-life situations and needs.

Example: Let's say you want to become a nurse. Learning medical English through ESP will help you
communicate effectively with patients, doctors, and your healthcare team.

English Language Teaching (ELT):

ELT is like the magic wand that helps people around the world communicate in English. It's the process
of teaching and learning the English language, making it accessible and fun for everyone. ELT is not just
about textbooks and grammar rules; it's about creating an environment where English becomes a friend
you can rely on.

Example: Imagine you're in a classroom, and your teacher uses games, songs, and real-life situations to
teach English. That's ELT in action, making learning an adventure!

The Role of the Teacher:

Teachers are the superheroes of the language world! They guide, inspire, and make learning English an
exciting journey. In ESP and ELT, teachers are like captains steering the language ship. They create
engaging lessons, offer support, and cheer you on as you conquer the seas of language learning.

Example: A great English teacher might use role-playing activities to help you practice real-life scenarios,
like ordering food at a restaurant or giving a presentation.

The Peace Corps: Organizing Programs, Setting Goals and Objectives:

The Peace Corps is like a global team of language superheroes! They send volunteers to different parts
of the world to help people learn English and improve their lives. Organizing programs means creating
exciting opportunities for learning, setting clear goals and objectives helps them stay on track.

Example: Let's say the Peace Corps sets a goal to help a community in Africa improve their English skills.
They might organize a program where volunteers teach locals how to communicate effectively in
English, opening doors to new opportunities.

PREPARED BY MARK NATHANIEL JAVIER

 ENG029 ENGLISH FOR SPECIFIC PURPOSES

Organizing Programs:

ESP programs within the Peace Corps are thoughtfully organized to address the unique needs of the
communities they serve. For example, if the goal is to enhance healthcare communication in a local
community, the program might include modules on medical vocabulary, patient-doctor interactions, and
emergency situations. The organization reflects a practical and needs-based approach, ensuring that
language skills are directly applicable to real-life scenarios.

Example: Imagine a Peace Corps ESP program in a fishing community. The program could be organized
to focus on maritime English, covering topics such as boat navigation, fishery-related terminology, and
communication during emergencies at sea. By tailoring the program to the specific needs of the
community, learners would gain language skills directly relevant to their daily lives.

Setting Goals and Objectives:

Setting clear goals and objectives is fundamental in ESP within the Peace Corps. For instance, in an
agricultural community, the goal might be to improve English proficiency for effective communication in
farming practices. Objectives could include developing vocabulary related to crops, teaching language
skills for negotiating deals at the market, and fostering conversational abilities for community
engagement. These goals and objectives provide a roadmap for both teachers and learners, guiding the
learning process effectively.

Example: In an ESP program aimed at enhancing English proficiency for eco-tourism, a goal might be to
improve language skills for nature guides. Objectives could include learning vocabulary related to flora
and fauna, developing the ability to explain ecological concepts in English, and practicing guiding tourists
through nature trails. This specific goal and corresponding objectives provide a clear direction for both
teachers and learners.

Establishing a Learning Environment:

Creating a learning environment is like setting the stage for a great play. In ESP and ELT, it's about
making the classroom a place where everyone feels comfortable to learn and grow. Imagine a space
where curiosity is welcomed, mistakes are part of the adventure, and every question is a step towards
mastery.

Example: A teacher might decorate the classroom with posters, maps, and fun language games to create
an environment that sparks curiosity and enthusiasm for learning.

Evaluating Students:

Evaluating students is like a progress report card for your language journey. In ESP and ELT, it's not just
about grades; it's about understanding what you've mastered and what needs more attention. This
helps teachers tailor lessons to your specific needs.

PREPARED BY MARK NATHANIEL JAVIER

 ENG029 ENGLISH FOR SPECIFIC PURPOSES

Example: After a month of learning medical English in ESP, a teacher might ask you to demonstrate how
to explain a treatment plan to a patient. This way, they can see how well you've grasped the language
for your specific purpose.

PREPARED BY MARK NATHANIEL JAVIER