English for special purposes requires content materials that are not always constructed for the purpose of language learning. Use of authentic materials in the language classroom presents instructors with several challenges, including the development of effective research skills required to manage the vast amount of information available, the…

Describes the benefits of a content-based approach to English for specific purposes, (ESP) examines how WebQuests can be integrated into a content-based ESP syllabus, analyze the different types of WebQuests suitable for ESP teaching, and discuses the limitations of this type of activity and the factors that should be considered when using…

Provides a rationale for content-based instruction and demonstrates how project work can be integrated into content-based English-as-a-Second-Language classrooms. Outlines the primary characteristics of project work, introduces project work in its various configurations, and presents practical guidelines for sequencing and developing a project.…

Case studies have been welcomed by English-as-a-foreign-language professionals, especially by those involved in teaching English for Specific Purposes (ESP) in the Departmental English courses at Baskent University English Language School and the English Support Unit (ELSU) of Bilkent University School of English Language in Turkey. This article…

Defines the concept of large classes with particular reference to the teaching of English for specific purposes at the University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, in Nigeria. Examines the problems of large classes faced by language teachers in the university and adoption of the team-teaching approach as a means of overcoming their problems. (Author/VWL)

Examines the problem of foreign-language syllabi in a brief historical review. The three main types of syllabi are described--structural, notional-functional, procedural task-based. Suggests that methodologies that cover language description, learning theories, and needs analysis should be reflected in English for special purposes courses or…

Describes an activity used at the University of Havana (Cuba) that introduces first-year medical students to the technical vocabulary for different parts of the human body. Using this question-and-answer exercise, the teacher shows a picture of a human body, with some parts named and others not. The class is asked to name the parts of the body. If…

Presents an assessment of 10 years' experience with the certificate course in English for Industry and Commerce offered by the Fachhochschule Munchen as an additional language qualification to its applied-science students. The Fachhochschule is an application-oriented university offering degree courses particularly in engineering, design, business…

The only English teacher at the School of Medicine in Belgrade discusses the use of student assistants to help solve the problem of teaching very large classes of students. Discusses the advantages and disadvantages of using student assistants. (Author/VWL)

Describes the practical experience of team teaching English for Specific Purposes (ESP) in the same class as a content instructor in engineering at the United Arab Emirates University. Examines classroom dynamics as they evolved and advantages and drawbacks. The team teaching approach enabled instructors to build a bottom up ESP curriculum based…

Outlines the procedures followed in the needs analysis (NA) project carried out in 1996 at the College of Petroleum and Engineering at Kuwait University. Focuses on the steps taken in the project and the rationale behind them. Offers an illustration of an NA project and to show the procedural steps involved. (Author/VWL)

Discusses a new approach to teaching English for special purposes to nursing students in Cuba that has been successful in increasing students' motivation to learn English. (Author/VWL)

Outlines a stock market activity that has helped English for specific purposes students in business school learn technical vocabulary. The objective is to minimize confusion by using visuals with written and spoken words, and to find effective ways of promoting learning and generating motivation. (Author/VWL)

Features excerpts from selected articles that reflect major trends in English language teaching during the past 40 years. Articles include the following: "Reflection in the ESl/EFL Classroom"; "Project Work Integrated into ESP Classes"; "Teaching Portfolios as Assessment Tools"; and "Material for Teacher Autonomy." (Author/VWL)

Presents eight language learning principles that suggest ways instructors can integrate language in their classrooms to reinforce anything from vocabulary to thinking and social skills in the form of group and pair work. The principles were developed to improve an imbalance between students' skills and teachers' expectations at Peninsula Technikon…