Teaching English for Specific Purposes in Higher Education

Abstract

Teaching English constitutes a challenge in higher education and in most countries considering career advance and employment eligibility. This quantitative study investigates the perception of higher education learners in relation to the teaching of English for specific purposes at Milagro State University. Thus, a survey research design, which consisted of multiple-choice questions and Likert-type scales, was applied, to 834 university students in diverse professional fields considering measurements of central tendency. The results indicate that the higher education students are aware of the importance of English within their academic and professional training; however, the curriculum, programs, and instructional practices do not effectively support them to achieve high levels of proficiency for effective oral communication. The data analysis allows to conclude that the teaching of English for Specific Purposes at the university level is an academic challenge since it requires a paradigm shift from teachers and program designer; as well as the implementation of communicative methodologies to create meaningful conditions for natural interactions.