Readiness to teach ESP: a case of polytechnic English language lecturers

Abstract

This descriptive study explores the English language lecturers' readiness and training needs towards the teaching of English for Specific Purposes (ESP) courses in Malaysian Premier Polytechnics. Data were collected from 62 lecturers through questionnaires which were then analysed to obtain the value of frequency and percentage score. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six lecturers for cross-validation purposes and the data were qualitatively analysed with initial descriptive codes assigned to the lecturers' responses. This study reveals that the lecturers are still unprepared to teach ESP courses and need training to teach these them. It aims to provide English language lecturers with the information they need for self-reflection and to equip themselves with skills required for the teaching of ESP. At the same time, it is hoped that the study would highlight the immediate need for professional development and in-service training needs to the relevant authorities in order to enhance the readiness and skills of these lecturers to teach ESP.