Fostering Active Learner Engagement in ESP Classes

Abstract

This chapter focuses on research into the quality of teaching English for Specific Purposes (ESP) with the focus on active learner engagement into the learning process. At the foundation of the study lies the belief that language learning, especially learning a language for specific or occupational purposes, is a lifelong learning endeavor. Participants of this study were 78 first-cycle and second-cycle students of Vytautas Magnus University (VMU) who took four ESP courses, namely Business English, English for Diplomats, English for Politics and Legal English, in 2015 and 2016 spring and autumn semesters and 10 teachers of 15 different ESP courses. The study used the Mixed Method Approach to collect more comprehensive data and interpret it from different perspectives. Among other results, the study has revealed that most problematic is the development of those competences that relate to students’ active participation in the learning process and their development of transversal skills. We hope that the findings of the study will contribute to the field of ESP methodology by providing insights into fostering active learner engagement through efficient ESP teaching and learning activities and methods.