Publications

Publication details [#48032]

Wilkinson, Robert. 2008. Locating the ESP space in problem-based learning: English-medium degree programmes from a post-Bologna perspective. In Fortanet-Gómez, Inmaculada and Christine A. Räisänen, eds. ESP in European Higher Education. Integrating language and content. (AILA Applied Linguistics Series 4). John Benjamins. pp. 55–73.
Publication type
Article in book
Publication language
English
Language as a subject
Place, Publisher
John Benjamins

Annotation

Bologna changes compel universities to rethink ESP training in Bachelor’s programmes. As universities increasingly offer English-medium instruction at Bachelor’s level, ESP training has to match the approach and philosophy of the content training. In a problem-based learning (PBL) environment at a Dutch university, two approaches to ESP training are described, one pre-Bologna (in economics), the other post-Bologna (in health sciences). Principles underlying PBL and ESP are discussed. Analysis suggests that customized, student-centred ESP can fit well in a PBL environment, albeit itself somewhat modified. Bologna changes, however, suggest a reduction of ESP training in English-medium programmes, especially at Bachelor’s level. To increase effectiveness, ESP training should be integrated in content programmes, and designed in close collaboration with the relevant specialists.