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English For Science And Technology: A Learner Centered Approach

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English for Specific Purposes World, ISSN 1682-3257, www.esp-world.info, Issue 42, Vol. 15, 2014

English For Science And Technology: A Learner Centered Approach

Prof. V. Chandra Sekhar Rao

Professor in English, Department of Humanities and Sciences
Joginpally B R Engineering College (Affiliated to (JNTUH),
Hyderabad-500075, Andhra Pradesh, India
Email:[email protected], Website: www.jbrec.edu.in

Abstract
1
This paper deals with the importance of Communicative Language Learning and the learner-
centered environment to the engineering students. In the present scenario of industry English
communication skills are given very much importance. Learner-centered education focuses on
each student’s individual needs. English Language Communication Skills like LSRW are vital
for the engineering students to meet the needs and demands of technical advancement in
education and employability. EST is a sub category of the larger field of English for Specific
Purposes (ESP). It has been very important for the institutions of engineering and technology.
Effective language teaching and learning can only be achieved when teachers are aware of their
learners’ needs, capabilities, potentials, and preferences in meeting these needs. The teachers of
English in engineering colleges ought to acquire a specific set of competencies and get trained in
latest Teaching-Learning Strategies. A learner-centered approach facilitates learning through
techniques involving learners. Students are provided an opportunity to put grammar to use and to
relate grammar instruction to real life situations. Technical vocabulary ought to be taught in
order that learners may be trained to use words with appropriateness and precision for more
effective communication.

Key words: Needs of Engineering Students, Learner-Centered Approach, Needs Analysis,

Technical vocabulary, CLT Approach, EST, EAP, ESP, and LCE.

1. INTRODUCTION

Generally speaking, English is regarded as the lingua franca of international business, economy,
science & technology. It is overwhelmingly dominant in scientific and technological
communication with all relevant and ground-breaking information. English has constantly
evolved as the main means of communication in the engineering field and finally gained a huge
advantage over other languages.

The key to improving students’ English speaking skills is to provide a favourable communicative
environment to stimulate their desire for interacting in the target language, and to create multiple
opportunities for students to practice. In the traditional teaching approach, however, much
emphasis were put on explaining linguistic facts, and few interactive activities were organized,
resulting in inadequate training of students’ speaking competence.

It has been written aiming at examining the impact of learner-centered teaching and learning
process on the engineering students’ performance, attitudes, and retention in English for Science

English For Science And Technology: A Learner Centered Approach

V. Chandra Sekhar Rao
English for Specific Purposes World, ISSN 1682-3257, www.esp-world.info, Issue 42, Vol. 15, 2014

and Technology. Learner-centered education focuses on each student’s individual needs. The
purpose of the learner-centered model is to provide an individualized, flexible learning
environment for every student.

Learner Centered Education or LCE is the type of classroom setting wherein the learners are persuaded to
submerge themselves in their own learning development. That is, to encourage learners to actively use the
target language while engaging in small-group work .Furthermore, the teachers’ roles here are to motivate
learners and to raise their levels of interest in the English language.

2. OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

 To encourage the engineering students to involve actively in their own learning processes 2
 To strengthen and promote the integrated language skills and abilities of students
 To stimulate their interest and cultivate their critical thinking
 To provide them opportunities to talk by using pair work or group work
 To develop their autonomy and interaction in order to succeed in their employability and
to meet workplace needs

3. RATIONALE

The author of the present study had the personal experience belonging to colleges of Engineering
and Technology as a faculty of English for science and Technology for over a period of 20 years.
Then he did research for his Ph D thesis titled, “An Analytical Study of Teaching/Learning to
develop Linguistic and Communicative Competence of Engineering Students”. During the
period, he had a remarkable experience of surveying and teaching English communication skills
to students of under graduate progrmmes at various engineering institutions.

Having taught thousands of students of engineering and technology, the author would like to find
out some innovative methods and strategies for teaching / learning English for science and
Technology.

The data collected for his research purpose and his personal experience of surveying resulted in
growing realization that the students, by and large, lack the ability to express themselves in
simple, lucid English. This led him to the present study.

4. THE NEED OF LEARNER-CENTERED TEACHING

In the present competitive world, students should be provided individual learning atmosphere to
get communication skills for their survival and employability. Learner-centered teaching method
is an important strategy adopted by second language teaching researchers and teachers, which
encourages the student to make plans and choose what to learn according to their own interest. In
this way, individual ability can be well motivated. It is no doubt that globalization brings new
requirement and challenge on education, and the inter-disciplinary talents of high quality are
needed to meet the need of world market.

5. REVIEW OF LITERATURE

During 1970s-1980s the impact of learner-centeredness in language teaching was evident with
the development of communicative approaches which shifted the attention of the teaching-

English For Science And Technology: A Learner Centered Approach

V. Chandra Sekhar Rao
English for Specific Purposes World, ISSN 1682-3257, www.esp-world.info, Issue 42, Vol. 15, 2014

learning processes from language form to language function, or to language use in accordance
with the needs of learners (Savignon, 1997). This change in the approach to language teaching
from traditional teacher-centred to more learnercentred (e.g. Nunan, 1988; Tudor, 1996), which
as Nunan (1988: 179) noted, is “an offspring of communicative language learning” requires
learners to participate and negotiate actively in meaningful interaction in order to interpret and
construct meaning by themselves (Breen & Candlin, 1980).

Gibbs (1992) offers a useful definition of learner-centred learning. He states that learner-centred
learning gives learners greater autonomy and control over choice of subject matter, learning
methods and pace of study. The learner-centred education is the perspective that couples a focus
on individual learner's heredity, experiences, perspectives, background, talents, interests, 3
capabilities and needs. It also focuses on the best available knowledge about learning and how it
occurs and teaching process that are effective in promoting learner motivation of highest degree.

Dudley-Evans and St. John (1998) provide a more comprehensive characterization of ESP
(English for Specific Purposes) as language teaching designed to meet the specific needs of the
learners through employing effective teaching methodologies and teaching activities.

Definition of ESP (Dudley-Evans, 1997):

Absolute Characteristics

 ESP is defined to meet specific needs of the learners.

 ESP makes use of underlying methodology and activities of the discipline it serves.
 ESP is centered on the language appropriate to these activities in terms of grammar, lexis,
register, study skills, discourse and genre.

Variable Characteristics

 ESP may be related to or designed for specific disciplines.

 ESP may use, in specific teaching situations, a different methodology from that of
General English.

 ESP is likely to be designed for adult learners, either at a tertiary level institution or in a
professional work situation. It could, however, be for learners at secondary school level.

 ESP is generally designed for intermediate or advanced students.

 Most ESP courses assume some basic knowledge of the language systems.

English for science and technology or EST is a sub category of the larger field of English for
Specific Purposes in which it shares some basic characteristics with the larger field of ESP. It
emphasizes purposeful and utilitarian learning of English. The communicative needs of the
learners are important consideration of course design.

EST is concerned with both the oral and written discourse of English for academic or
professional, occupational or vocational purposes. It mainly deals with learners at the tertiary

English For Science And Technology: A Learner Centered Approach

V. Chandra Sekhar Rao
English for Specific Purposes World, ISSN 1682-3257, www.esp-world.info, Issue 42, Vol. 15, 2014

level for whom the learning of English takes on a service role for their specific needs in study,
work or research.

6. LEARNER-CENTREDNESS AS AN APPROACH TO TEACHING

Piccinin (1997) makes a mention of three approaches to learning: content-centred, teacher-

centred and learner-centred. While the first two approaches put content to be taught and teacher's
authority at the focus, learner-centred learning moves away from them and concentrates on
learner motivation towards learning. The teaching involves getting to know the learners,
founding out what they know their misunderstandings and creating a context of learning which
encourages learners to actively engage with the subject matter intervening with the objective of 4
changing them. Learner needs more structure at the beginning of a course and will develop habit
of independent learning later on. This type of learning involves more than mastering the content,
designing sound learning experiences, knowing instructional techniques.

According to Nunan (2004a, p.8), “a learner-centred” classroom is one in which students were
actively involved in their own learning processes. This involvement has two dimensions: first,
students take charge of their own learning processes, including making decisions, plans and so
forth; the other is to maximise the classroom time for students’ interactive activities.

7. METHODS

In this study the research methods of data collection employed using both qualitative and
quantitative approaches and the research findings are discussed with the descriptive data
collected from the Questionnaires, Interviews and Classroom Observations. The questionnaire
data were gathered from 180 participants (120 B.Tech students, 30 teachers of EST and 20
teachers of technical subjects) belonged to different Engineering Colleges affiliated to JNTU,
Hyderabad.

8. FINDINGS
8.1.Needs Analysis Questionnaire to Students reveals that students of engineering and
technology have recognized English:

 As skill-oriented one and given importance to its basic language skills and sub-skills and
their priority such as: 1.Listening 2.Speaking, 3.professional Speaking, 4. Grammar, 5.
Reading, and 6. Professional Writing.
 The teachers of English in Engineering Colleges need a special set of competencies than
those of the General English teachers.
 The EST Teachers to be facilitators, knowing the strategies of modern class room
teaching and providing a lot of activities in the classroom and making them active
participants.
 Phonetics should be taught for correct pronunciation, equipping with latest technology
and multi-media software.

8.2.Technical Faculty Questionnaire indicates that:

English For Science And Technology: A Learner Centered Approach

V. Chandra Sekhar Rao
English for Specific Purposes World, ISSN 1682-3257, www.esp-world.info, Issue 42, Vol. 15, 2014

 90% of the engineering students feel comfortable to listen to technical subject taught in
English, but 85% of the students are not good enough to use English for preparing a
technical discussion, asking or answering questions.
 Most of the students do not have knowledge of special grammar items used in EST like
nominal compounds, impersonal passives, conditional structures etc.
 They need scientific reading and learning of scientific vocabulary.
 English learning atmosphere should be created for the students to practice the language
skills.

8.3.Faculty (English) Questionnaire shows as 90 % to 100 % of the EST teachers agreed that 5
the teachers of English in engineering colleges ought to get trained and acquired a special
set of Competencies / Skills, such as:

 General Competencies of the teacher of English for science and technology (teaching
the correct use of linguistic features, ability to design the curriculum, using the
communicative learner-centered approach, ability to use language laboratory, etc.)

 Subject-Specific Competencies:
 Listening Skills (Listening and taking notes, Listening to short and long
conversations, identifying the topic of the lecture, etc.)
 Speaking Skills (task-based activities- describing /explaining /defining /classifying
objects, etc.)
 Reading Skills (Scientific and technical texts, Skimming for main ideas, Scanning
for specifics, Predicting, inferring and guessing the meaning, etc.)
 Writing Skills (definitions of technical terms, narration, description, enumeration,
process, comparison and contrast, cause and effect, argument, etc.)
 Professional Speaking Skills (professional presentation skills, mock interviews,
group discussions, seminars)
 Professional Writing Skills (Business letters, Technical reports, project reports,
proposals)
 Special Grammar Items in Scientific and Technical Communication (Use of
modal auxiliaries in technical English, Conditional sentence, connectives in technical
communication)

8.4.EST Teachers Class Observation

In classroom Observation, most of the EST Teachers in Engineering colleges have not been
competent or skilled at teaching. They do not follow the modern methods or techniques of
teaching and the EST class is completely teacher-centered.

9. IMPLICATIONS AND RECOMMENDED STRATEGIES

Regarding Needs Analysis Questionnaire to Students English Language Communication Skills

like LSRW should be given so much importance in order to meet the needs and demands of
technical advancement in education and employability.

English For Science And Technology: A Learner Centered Approach

V. Chandra Sekhar Rao
English for Specific Purposes World, ISSN 1682-3257, www.esp-world.info, Issue 42, Vol. 15, 2014

More specifically, such an ESP (English for Specific Purposes) programs or courses could assist
the engineering students perform the work-related communication tasks around: 1) conversation
skills (listening and speaking skills to be more specific), 2) reading skills, and 3) writing skills.
The reading and the writing tasks of the engineers’ work requirements could fall into one of the
four categories: informational, visual/figure, report and procedural tasks.

Considering the data of Technical Faculty Questionnaire and the views of the teachers of
science and technology, the engineering graduates should be provided and created advanced
English learning environment such as understanding technical vocabulary, describing technical
functions and applications, explaining how technology works, emphasizing technical
advantages. In this regard technical faculty should also add their proportionate contribution for 6
the students acquire good technical education and bright career with motivational attitude.

Having studied the responses of Faculty (English) Questionnaire and the student needs,
Effective language teaching and learning can only be achieved when teachers are aware of their
learners’ needs, capabilities, potentials, and preferences in meeting these needs. The teachers of
English in engineering colleges ought to acquire a special set of competencies and get trained in
latest Teaching-Learning Strategies such as:

9.1.English for Academic Purposes

EAP and EOP, both are branches of ESP. Students are exposed to the expectations and
requirements of their faculty particularly to the target language situation. The EAP courses are
suggested for EST teachers in the engineering colleges to accomplish classroom based activities
such as: oral presentation skills, understanding lectures, note-taking and note-making skills,
academic writing, academic reading and vocabulary, and academic speech and pronunciation.

9.2.Communicative Language Teaching / Learning: A Learner Centered Approach

CLT approach plays a vital role in enhancing the learners’ communication skills. A learner-
centered approach facilitates learning through techniques involving learners either in pairs or in
groups. It is suggested that the EST teachers should consider CLT approach to let the learners
have clear knowledge of the linguistic, phonological, cultural, and functional, interactional,
grammatical, lexical, socio-linguistic and social-cultural competence to attain ‘communicative
competence’ in English.

9.3.Grammatical Competence

Most of the principles of teaching grammar are derived from the CLT methodologies. Grammar
should be taught for communication in context and in relation to language skills. The EST
teachers are advised, during grammar instruction, to provide meaningful input through context
and provide an opportunity to put grammar to use, and relate grammar instruction to real life
situations. This is best achieved if grammar instruction is treated in the same way as the teaching
of the four skills which involves smooth and organized transitions.

9.4.Lexical Competence: Technical Vocabulary

English For Science And Technology: A Learner Centered Approach

V. Chandra Sekhar Rao
English for Specific Purposes World, ISSN 1682-3257, www.esp-world.info, Issue 42, Vol. 15, 2014

Nowadays it is widely accepted that vocabulary teaching should be part of the syllabus, and
taught in a well-planned and regular basis. Every field of science and technology has its own list
of terms and phrases. Technical vocabulary ought to be taught in order that learners may be
trained to use words with appropriateness and precision for more effective communication.

9.5.Strategies for Learning Technical Words

Words which are based on Greek or Latin roots should be analyzed for possible meanings.
Therefore, the EST Teachers should:

 Facilitate learners to gain the more general skills of recognizing technical words, 7
interpreting definitions, relating senses to a core meaning, and learning word parts.

 Provide learners with the tools for dealing with technical words. In this way teachers
need not get involved in trying to teach in a technical area, but can direct their attention to
vocabulary strategies.

 Be responsible for teaching students technical papers and materials for reading and
writing in English courses which will be more technical and sophisticated.

9.6.The teacher’s role in a learner-centered classroom of EST:

The teacher’s role in a learner-centered classroom of EST is absolutely critical. It takes

practice. It takes patience. It requires a willingness to try new things, fail, reflect, revise, redeem
and repeat. The teacher has to use many techniques in the teaching process. The teacher in a
learner-centered classroom of EST has to:

 Introduce challenging, engaging ideas that inspire student questions.

 Find a happy medium between giving students too much direction and too little.
 Establish routines and structures in the classroom that support inquiry.
 Engage in frequent conversations with students.
 Focus students on generating arguments based on evidence.
 Provide opportunities for students to choose how they demonstrate their learning.
 Connect students with experts in fields relevant to their inquiry and facilitate their
conversations.
 Teach skills and processes that students need to know in order to engage in effective
inquiry.
 Provide time for reflection and meta-cognition within the structure of learning cycles.
 Maintain the students to have their mood and mind happily and hilariously all the time.

9.7. Learner-Centred Activities

Course of activities would be designed for learner-centred teaching in the class with a view of
making students comfortable with different strategies in English language teaching and learning
process. The activities have to be focused primarily on the skills of listening, speaking, reading,
writing, grammar and vocabulary.

English For Science And Technology: A Learner Centered Approach

V. Chandra Sekhar Rao
English for Specific Purposes World, ISSN 1682-3257, www.esp-world.info, Issue 42, Vol. 15, 2014

Activities of listening and speaking: Simulation, role-play, seminars and group discussions on
the topics of technology and science are mainly suggested for activities of listening and speaking
skills. On the other hand, mock interviews and speeches/presentations are also recommended.

Activities of reading and writing: Different Types of reading-comprehension exercises of

science and technical texts are primarily recommended specifically on scanning, skimming,
extensive reading, intensive reading, etc.

Activities of grammar and vocabulary: While practicing reading and writing activities 8
students should be asked to identify tenses, sentence structures, adjectives of description, use of
modal auxiliaries, conditional sentences, and connectives in technical texts. And they ought be
guided to find out new and technical vocabulary and to know the meanings and usage of the
vocabulary.

10. CONCLUSION

In conclusion, Learner Centered Approach provides individual learning atmosphere to the

students in their learning process. This study is fundamentally useful for EST teachers as English
Language Teaching in Engineering colleges dealing with the competency requirements of the
English teachers. The findings of the study provide useful and practical information to the
Technical Institutions to improve the competencies/skills of the English teachers so that the
students of engineering and technology get benefited in accomplishing their language needs.

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English For Science And Technology: A Learner Centered Approach

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English For Science And Technology: A Learner Centered Approach

V. Chandra Sekhar Rao
 English for Specific Purposes World, ISSN 1682-3257, www.esp-world.info, Issue 42, Vol. 15, 2014

Address

Prof. V. Chandra Sekhar Rao

Professor in English, Department of Humanities and Sciences
Joginpally B R Engineering College (Affiliated to (JNTUH),
Hyderabad-500075, Andhra Pradesh, India
Email:[email protected], Website: www.jbrec.edu.in 10

Residence:

H.No. 3-5-140/12/1, Shivanagar Colony,

Hyderguda, Attapur, HYDERABAD-500048, A.P. , India
Mobile No.09603727368

English For Science And Technology: A Learner Centered Approach

V. Chandra Sekhar Rao

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