Exploring ESP syllabi: Some implications for further pedagogical considerations

Abstract

The necessity of including syllabi research into current teaching practices is of utmost importance due to the fact that current job markets not only dictate the need for differentiated instruction but also call for novel approaches towards glottodidactic and pedagogical goals within the tertiary educational level. The main aim of this paper is to examine the current status of English for Specific Purposes courses at one of the tertiary educational institutions in order to see whether English for Specific Purposes’ practices are really implemented in language classrooms or whether they exist only on paper. The paper focuses on researching selected points in all the syllabi related to teaching English for Specific Purposes in order to establish the types of syllabi used, possible practices used prior to the syllabi design, focus in the syllabi on General English or English for Specific Purposes and the implementation of practices aimed at integrated skills. The research results call for viable systematic changes in the home department curriculum in the form of introducing courses at the 1st and 2nd cycle of studies, as well as master programmes in English for Specific Purposes, which will enable the provision of competitive teachers and practitioners in the current job market.

Keywords

• syllabi
• tertiary education
• English for Specific Purposes (ESP)
• needs analysis
• job market