English for Specific Purposes: A learning-centered approach 

by Tom Hutchinson and Alan Waters

Summary of Insights

Since I mainly teach one-to-one classes, I try to adapt them to my students’ individual needs. While most of the learners I deal with are English teachers (such a blessing, isn’t it?), some have different jobs: medical workers, IT specialists, etc. To address the language needs of this latter category, I became curious about teaching English for specific purposes, ESP. My task was to effectively combine a conventional course book with specialized materials. So the book I studied is called English for Specific Purposes: A learning-centered approach by Tom Hutchinson and Alan Waters. Below I give a summary of my findings.  

The book advocates a learning-centered approach. This means that an ESP syllabus has its main target to enhance eagerness to learn. Refrain from using too specialized texts in case a student finds them boring. On the other hand, using engaging materials in lessons will urge their excitement to immerse in the language, look up some words in a dictionary—skills that are so much needed for learning outside of a classroom. If specialized texts are to be employed, it is only because of their face validity. They provide with the language a student needs. Whatever the case, testing and assessment should not involve specialized knowledge.

Learning-centered approach is juxtaposed with language-centered course design. The latter aims to systematize the presentation of the language units. But the trap is that the systematic analysis and presentation of language data will produce systematic learning in the learner. The problem is—and this is important—that learning is internally-generated system and learning is NOT systematic. We still do not know how mind actually processes knowledge; learning is not a straightforward process.

Alhough the book is entitled ESP, its merits reach far beyond providing insights into teaching for specific purposes. The book expands on the advantages and flaws of many other approaches. It stresses the importance of analyzing needs, wants, and the awareness of needs. Learners should understand how learning perceived by them will affect their performance.

The book goes on to offer advice on how to evaluate materials and courses. It stands out for creative ideas to combine ESP with general English teaching, and offers valuable advice on planning and evaluation. For example, if your teaching was mainly done orally, then testing should be done orally, too. The book is a trove of insights.

To cap it all, I think English for Specific Purposes is a must-read for any English teacher, whether for special or general language needs.