APPLICATION AND COMBINATION OF DIFFERENT FOREIGN LANGUAGE TEACHING METHODS IN ESP CLASSROOM

Abstract

English for Specific Purposes (ESP) being separate branch of the English Language requires specific approach during the process of teaching.  Application of right methodology of teaching is very important for successful ESP teaching, therefore correct selection and combination of different foreign language teaching methods are crucial to ensure that the required results are achieved in the ESP classroom. When working in the ESP classroom ESP teachers base their teaching approach on the principle: “English for Specialty” rather than on the principle: “Specialty in English” the approach characteristic of Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL). In our paper we are going to discuss the ways of efficient combination of Grammar-Translation method and Audio-Lingual method using ESP textbooks and materials and also development of listening and speaking skills of ESP learners through different subject videos selected on the basis of linguistic abilities and knowledge of specific terminology by ESP learners. Some of these videos are available on YouTube and other internet platforms. Elements of CLIL approach that imply complete immersion into language and subject matter can be applied in ESP classroom. Their combination with the above-mentioned foreign language teaching methods is possible, especially in those groups of ESP learners whose level of General English is B2 and higher. The parallel can be made between CLIL in ESP teaching environment and Direct method of foreign language teaching in General English teaching environment. In this way we compare partial application of CLIL approach in the ESP classroom to the Direct method of foreign language teaching when it refers to teaching of General English. The main aim of our paper is to consider combination of the following foreign language teaching methods and the methodology of CLIL as the most suitable and efficient way of teaching English for Specific Purposes in the classroom:

1) Grammar-Translation method;

2) Audio-Lingual method;

3) Direct method with elements of CLIL approach when applied in the ESP classroom.