ESP Textbook Design, Implementation, and Evaluation: The Case of English for Computer Forensics Specialists Textbook
Dmitrii Nikolaev, LLC Proplex (Russian Federation)
Anton Nikolaev, Bauman Moscow State Technical University (Russian Federation)
Natalja Nikolayeva, Bauman Moscow State Technical University (BMSTU), Associate professor, English Language Department (Russian Federation)
Abstract
The paper considers the goals and principles of designing an English for Specific Purposes (ESP) textbook “English for Computer Forensics Specialists: a course book for mastering reading, writing, and speaking skills of third year students of Law Department” written by the authors and being implemented in ESP foreign language classrooms at Bauman Moscow State Technical University (BMSTU). The goal of the study is to analyze the crucial aspects of ESP materials (texts and tasks) selection and design, namely, specificity, authenticity, disciplinary suitability, correspondence to BMSTU educational programs and curricular, pedagogical value, dependence on the results of needs analysis, as well as their ability to facilitate students’ understanding: easyfication, simplification, and scaffolding. The textbook evaluation is based on both the students’ responses and teachers’ qualitative descriptive analysis conducted during the 2-year ESP course. Six evaluation criteria are adopted to check students’ perception of the learning material: main topics \ texts content; design \ organization \ visual content; objectives \ approaches; language content \ drilling exercises \ communicative tasks and activities; skills \ strategies; professional and academic practical considerations. The study instrument consists of researcher-made questionnaires, various evaluation tests, descriptive statistics procedures, and continuous observation. Findings show positive students’ attitudes towards the textbook, the course it represents, and the ways it is administered. The course final exams aiming at assessing discursive application of four basic language skills demonstrate high results: 88% of our students passed them with good and excellent marks. Our study proves that ESP textbooks should be elaborated, revised, and approved not only by teachers but also by students. ESP course syllabi should be organized in such a way that continuous recycling of ESP language and content material is promoted.
Keywords: English for Specific Purposes, English Language Teaching Materials, Textbook Evaluation