Intercultural and linguistic competences for engineering ESP classes: A didactic framework proposal through problem-based learning

Abstract

Global competencies are crucial for societies to progress in a changing world. Beyond the specific language skills needed to be integrated into an international workforce, individuals should also develop the capacity to analyze and understand intercultural issues in their fields. In light of this, our paper firstly aims to pilot a problem-based learning (PBL) proposal around a cultural critical incident for design engineers to develop intercultural and linguistic competences in an ESP engineering course. A secondary objective investigates how the project raises students’ awareness about cultural factors in product design. The results point to PBL as a method which enables instructors to integrate intercultural and linguistic skills in engineering programs, where students’ awareness of cultural factors can be increased through problem-solving teamwork on critical incidents.