
BRIDGING THE GAP: EFFECTIVE STRATEGIES FOR TEACHING ENGLISH TO ENGINEERING STUDENTS
Shivani Rajput , Lecturer (communication skill), Lovely Professional University, IndiaAbstract
Teaching English to engineering students presents unique challenges due to the technical focus of their studies and the specific language needs of their future careers. This paper aims to explore the difficulties encountered in teaching English to engineering students and proposes effective strategies to enhance their language proficiency. Engineering students often struggle with English due to a lack of motivation, perceived irrelevance of the language to their field, and insufficient exposure to language learning in a technical environment. To address these challenges, this study reviews a range of pedagogical approaches, including integrating English for Specific Purposes (ESP) into the curriculum, utilizing project-based learning to create practical applications for language use, and incorporating digital tools to enhance engagement and interactivity. Additionally, it highlights the importance of collaborative learning and continuous assessment to tailor instruction to individual student needs. The findings suggest that a contextualized and skills-focused approach can significantly improve English language acquisition among engineering students, better preparing them for global communication and collaboration in their professional careers. The paper concludes by recommending a blended teaching model that combines traditional methods with innovative techniques to bridge the gap between engineering students' language abilities and the demands of their professional environment.
Keywords
English for Specific Purposes (ESP), engineering students, language learning
References
Borich, G.D. 2007. Effective Teaching Methods: Research-Based practice. 6th ed. New Jersey: pearson prentice Hall.
Candline, C. and Murphy, D. 1987. Language Learning Tasks. Englewood cliffs, NJ: Presntice Hall .
Cook, V.J. 2001. Second Language Learning and Language Teaching (3rd ed.). New York: Oxford University press Inc.
Cottrell, S. 2001. Teaching Study Skills and Supporting Learning. New York: Palgrave, Metamorphous press.
Crystal, D. 1987. The Cambridge Encyclopaedia of Language. Cambridge: CUP.
Deckert, G. 1987. ‘The Communicative Approach: Helping Students Adjust’. English Teaching Forum Vol. 25, No 3, pp 17-20.
Dudley-Evans T. & M. J. St John (1998) Developments in English for Specific Purposes: A multi-disciplinary approach, Cambridge: CUP.
Ellis, R. 1992. Second Language Acquisition and Language pedagogy. Clevedon: Multilingual Matters.
Harmer, J. 2001. The Practice of English Language Teaching (3rd edt. London: Longman.
Article Statistics
Downloads
Copyright License
Copyright (c) 2024 Shivani Rajput

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.