Preliminary communication
https://doi.org/10.22210/strjez/52-1/5
A focus on objectives, outcomes, and learner needs in ESP courses
Adriana Petra Blažević
orcid.org/0000-0002-4871-7794
; The Academy of Fine Arts in Split, Croatia
Mara Ruža Blažević
orcid.org/0000-0002-6068-0445
; Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture, Split, Croatia
Abstract
In light of the growing demands for English language acquisition, various stakeholders within
the domain of English for Specific Purposes (ESP) have directed their focus towards the elaboration
of learner needs and the attainment of learning objectives and outcomes. Thus, the
aim of this paper was to illustrate the importance of needs analysis in ESP by defining relevant
learning objectives and outcomes, as well as to investigate teachers’ attitudes towards the
challenges of ESP course design. The course syllabuses and coursebooks of four ESP courses
were subjected to analysis. Moreover, semi-structured interviews were conducted with four
ESP teachers in order to gain an understanding of the challenges that emerge in the process
of ESP course management. The results of the study revealed that learner needs, objectives,
and outcomes generally align with recent research within different fields of study; however,
the development of interpersonal communication skills and intercultural competence requires
further consideration. In addition, it was found that ESP teachers need more support in
the process of dealing with subject-specific phenomena and material selection. Furthermore,
as informed by the results of this research, the attainment of learner autonomy within large
heterogeneous environments is another challenge that still needs to be overcome.
Keywords
ESP; learning objectives; learning outcomes; learner needs; teacher attitudes
Hrčak ID:
309152
URI
Publication date:
23.10.2023.
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