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Read the following excerpt: Brian Paltridge (2012, p. 179) defines “English for Specific Purposes (ESP)” as “[…] the teaching of English as a second or foreign language where the goal of the learners is to use English in a particular domain.” For that reason, Paltridge calls the reader’s attention to the word “needs”, considering the concept of “needs analysis” (PALTRIDGE, 2012, p. 180), and by putting it side by side the design of ESP course: “Hutchinson and Waters (1987) believe that what distinguishes ESP from general English is the awareness of a need. Two key components of a needs analysis are target needs and learning needs. A target situation analysis looks at the learner’s future roles in English and attempts to specify the linguistic skills and knowledge that is required for them to perform competently in these roles. A learning situation analysis examines what the learners can do at the beginning of the course, as well as information on their subjective, felt and process-oriented needs. Needs, then, is an umbrella term. It includes necessities, lacks, and wants. Necessities is need determined by the target situation; that is, what the learner needs to know and be able to do to function effectively in the target situation. Lacks consider what the learner knows and can do already as well as the gap between target and existing proficiency. Wants is the learner’s views of what they need.”
Based on these assumptions, analyze the ESP course sampled below, by comparing its modules with the “Needs’ subcategories” Paltridge (2012) points out. Consider if each module was designed according to them to mark the CORRECT option.
TECHNICAL ENGLISH FOR ENGINEERS – designed by KKCL English School (London, UK)
Our Technical English for Engineers course focuses on the communication skills required to work effectively with people in an international environment in areas such as problem-solving, team coordination and project management. This course is 1) for professionals that want to work in an English speaking country or in an international company; 2) for those who want to develop an international career and 3) for students that want to start studying Engineering at a University in an English speaking country.
Level required: B1 or higher
Lessons: 15 hours p/w (PT) - 30 hours p/w (FT)