The effects of english for specific purposes on the english reading comprehension level of psychology students at university of Cuenca, Ecuador

Abstract

English for Specific Purposes (ESP) is a student-centered learning approach based on covering learners’ needs and interests, since it focuses on topics related to their field of study. ESP is more involved in language in context, because there is a close relationship between the learner and the specific authentic material used in class. In this context, the goal of this research study was to establish the effects ESP had over the English reading comprehension level of Psychology students at the University of Cuenca, where English teaching at its mandatory levels is only focused on General English. By using a convergent parallel mixed method, the intervention was carried out with a group of 25 students registered in the First Level of English credits from the School of Psychology during the semester March-August 2016. To gather information, this study used both quantitative and qualitative data collection instruments such as a pre-test, a post-test, students’ journals, personal interviews, and a closed-question survey. Although, this study was not statistically significant, there was evidence of an improvement in the reading comprehension level as well as in the development of other language skills. Also, based on the students’ perceptions it can be said that the students were motivated and interested in reading texts in line with their needs and interests. In sum, to apply the ESP approach in the English teaching-learning process can be very useful for students, since they can get meaningful learning that let them cope as future professionals in a competitive and challenging world.