Challenges in designing esp course for first year students of engineering faculty at malikussaleh university

Abstract

Purpose-This study aims at finding out the implementation of English for specific purposes (ESP) course and identifying the challenges faced by English lecturers in designing an ESP course for first-year students in the Engineering Faculty of Malikussaleh University. Methodology-This study implements qualitative research through interviews as a means of data collection. Findings-This study addresses the application of an ESP course and identifies the challenges appeared during the stages of designing. The study reveals that an ESP course is not completely implemented. In fact, the course provided little ESP contents. The paper also reveals that, in terms of challenges, each stage of design presents its own challenge. To design an ESP course involves five crucial stages, that is, needs analysis, syllabus, material, teaching, and evaluation. Teachers encounter challenges as the design process takes place. Research Limitations/Implications-The present study provides an account of how English teachers view challenges in implementing a complete ESP course. However, further research should be conducted to discover the possibility of application of ESP course in national universities in Indonesia. Practical Implications-This paper offers solutions in order to make the implementation of ESP course feasible in the university. Originality/Value-There have not been any research in ESP application for engineering students in Malikussaleh University.