ENGLISH FOR SPECIFIC PURPOSES WITHIN THE BEST PROGRAMME : AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE VIABILITY OF RUNNING AN ESP COMPONENT FOR THE ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY PARTICIPATING IN THE BEST PROGRAMME

Abstract

This study seeks to investigate the feasibility of incorporating an ESP component in the present BEST English Course by means of a needs analysis of electronics production operators attending the BEST Programme. Chapter One discusses the approaches to ESP syllabus design by investigating who an ESP learner is, his learning purpose and the approach to language adopted in ESP course design. The communicative/ notional syllabus which typifies most ESP courses is discussed and its merits and limitations noted. The chapter ends with an examination of the principles of needs analysis with reference to Munby's Model and its application to syllabus design in general. Chapter Two sets out the research design and methodology used for the study. Discussion focuses on the choice of and reasons for the survey instruments used which include the questionnaires for workers and management, interviews and factory observations. Most of the questions in the questionnaire are based on Munby's Needs Analysis Model. However, issues on methodology and motivation of workers which are ignored by Munby in his Model are raised in my study as it is felt that these are important factors that may affect the course design. The results obtained from the survey are analyzed and interpreted in Chapter Three. Findings from the questionnaires indicate that workers are keen on learning English for job-related as well as general purposes. These are confirmed by the interviews which enable the researcher to probe the more deep-seated reasons of workers for wanting to learn general English. Results from the survey also suggest that there is a predominant need for oral/aural skills as opposed to reading/writing skills. Tb.is chapter ends with a discussion of the implications of the results and methods used for the survey. Chapter Four is concerned with the application of the results obtained from the survey to the design of a syllabus for the BEST English course. A multi-dimensional approach to syllabus design is adopted due to the varied needs of the workers. A partial syllabus which comprises three strands - functions, situations and grammar is proposed. Three blocks of the syllabus are presented, each block focusing on a main organizing principle such as grammar, functions or situations. A methodology which takes into account the students' previous learning background and preferred teaching methods suitable for adults at an elementary level of language learning is recommended to ensure the effective implementation of the syllabus.