--

16(2)2026 (IN PRESS)

Effective learning English for specific purposes in multi-level classes: Students’perceptions, obstacles and solutions


Author - Affiliation:
Thuy Thi Trinh - University of Labour and Social Affairs, Hanoi , Vietnam
Corresponding author: Thuy Thi Trinh - trinhthuy2402@gmail.com
Submitted: 19-08-2024
Accepted: 19-11-2024
Published: 15-01-2025

Abstract
This study investigates students’ interest in English for specific purposes and examines the challenges in practical learning, drawing on Richards’ Language Teaching theory (Richards, 2006) and language teaching and learning principles. The research employs a mixed-methods approach, incorporating qualitative (interviews) and quantitative (surveys) techniques. Data was gathered from 45 students using a study based on a 4-point Likert Scale. The findings reveal that while most students are keen on learning specialized English, fear of practicing, inadequate facilities, and oversized classes hinder the teaching and learning process. It is suggested that all three stakeholders involved in teaching and learning should take proactive steps to address these issues.

Keywords
challenges; ESP; impediment; language teaching; multi-level classes; solutions

Full Text:
PDF

References

Basturkmen, H. (2010). Developing courses in English for specific purposes. Palgrave Macmillan.


Batuto, MA. Lourdes A. & de la Pena Maria Morena E. (2019) “Enhancing students’ speaking competence through communicative language teaching method.” International Journal of Recent Advances in Multidisciplinary Research. 6(8), pp.5107-5117.


Bazimaziki, Gabriel .(2018) “Students’ perceptions of using a foreign language in a mother tongue dominated environment: Contrastive analysis.” International Journal for innovation Education and Research (IJIER).6(2), pp.01-12.


Belcher, D. (2009). What ESP Is and Can Be: An Introduction. In D. Belcher (Ed.), English for Specific Purposes in Theory and Practice (pp. 1-20). University of Michigan Press.


Brown, H. D. (2007). Principles of Language Learning and Teaching. Pearson Longman.


Brown, H. D., & Lee, H. (2015). Teaching by Principles: An Interactive Approach to Language Pedagogy. Pearson.


Burkšaitienė Nijolė & Šliogerienė, Jolita .(2018) “Students’ Experience of Learning ESP: Findings from a Case Study in Lithuania”. The Journal of Teaching English for Specific and Academic Purposes. 6(3), pp.489-500


Dörnyei, Z. (2001). Motivational strategies in the language classroom. Cambridge University Press.


Dudley-Evans, T., & St John, M. J. (1998). Developments in English for specific purposes: A multi-disciplinary approach. Cambridge University Press.


Ellis, R. (2003). Task-based language learning and teaching. Oxford University Press.


Ellis, R. (2008). The Study of Second Language Acquisition. Oxford University Press.


Elsadig Ali Elsadig Elnadeef & Ayman Hamad Elneil Hamadan Abdala .(2019) “The Effectiveness of English Club as Free Speaking Activity Strategy in Fostering Speaking Skill in Saudi Arabia Context.” International Journal of Linguistics, Literature and Translation (IJLLT). 2(1)pp.231-236.


Elsadig Ali, A., & Ayman Hamad, E. (2019). Language Clubs as a Tool for Enhancing English Speaking Skills. Journal of Language Teaching and Research, 10(2), 235-243.


Flowerdew, J., & Peacock, M. (Eds.). (2001). Research perspectives on English for academic purposes. Cambridge University Press.


Frankenberg-Garcia Ana .(2018) “Investigating the Collocations Available to EAP writers”. Journal of English for Academic Purposes. 35 (2018), pp.93-104.


Fry, H., Ketteridge, S., & Marchall, S. (Eds.) (2009) A Handbook for teaching and Learning in Higher Education: Enhancing Academic Practice, 3rd ed.,New York: Routledge.


Gardner, R. C. (1985). Social Psychology and Second Language Learning: The Role of Attitudes and Motivation. Edward Arnold.


Gᾴlovά, A. (2007). Effective Strategies for Teaching English for Specific Purposes. University Press.


Gᾴlovά, Dita (Ed.) (2007) Language for Specific Purposes: Searching for Common Solutions. Cambridge: CSP.


Harmer, J. (2015). The Practice of English Language Teaching. Pearson Longman.


Hutchinson, T., & Waters, A. (1987). English for specific purposes: A learning-centred approach. Cambridge University Press.


Hyland, K. (2006). English for Academic Purposes: An Advanced Resource Book. Routledge.


Johns, A. M., & Dudley-Evans, T. (1991). English for Specific Purposes: International in Scope, Specific in Purpose. TESOL Quarterly, 25(2), 297-314.


Krashen, S. D. (1982). Principles and Practice in Second Language Acquisition. Pergamon.


Lam, W. S. E., & Boi, S. (2013). Classroom Attendance and Its Impact on Language Learning. Journal of Language and Education, 2(1), 56-72.


Le Thi Hong Duyen .(2019) “ESP Teacher’s perceptions and practices of formative assessment: An institutional case study in Vietnam”. American Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences Research (AJHSSR), 3(5), pp.143-148.


Lenard, D. Božić & Lenard, I. (2018) “Examining Pedagogical content knowledge of ESP teachers”. The Journal of Teaching English for Specific and Academic Purpose. 6(3), pp.353-364.


Lenard, J., & Lenard, D. (2018). Overcoming Challenges in Teaching and Learning English: The Need for Smaller Classes and Improved Curriculum. Language Education Journal, 15(2), 353-369.


Mahendran, A. (2019). Dynamic Teaching in English Language Education. International Journal of Language Studies, 13(4), 136-150.


Mahendran, S. (2019) “Learning English through Active Participation (LEAP)”. International Journal of English, Literature and Social Sciences (IJELS). 4(1), pp.135-139.


Mohammad Qasim, AlTarawneh & Eyad Ahmad, AlMithgal. (2019) “Teachers’ and Students’ Perceptions of Using L1 in the ESP Classroom: a Case of Medical English at an Applied Medical College in Saudi Arabia”. International Journal of Linguistics, Literature and Translation (IJLLT). 2(3), pp.19-35.


Morgan, Daryle, W. & Krejcie, Robert, V. (1970) “Determining Sample Size for Research Activities” pp. 607-610 in Educational and Psychological Measurement 30 , SAGE Publications


Nunan, D. (2003). Practical English Language Teaching. McGraw-Hill.


Pinker, S. (2014). The Sense of Style: The Thinking Person's Guide to Writing in the 21st Century. Penguin.


Richards, J. C. (2006). Communicative Language Teaching Today. Cambridge University Press.


Richards, J. C. (2008). Reflective teaching in second language classrooms. Cambridge University Press.


Richards, J. C. (2014). Key issues in language teaching. Cambridge University Press.


Richards, J. C., & Rodgers, T. S. (2001). Approaches and methods in language teaching (2nd ed.). Cambridge University Press.


Rupert, W. (2016) Speaking Test Development in English for Academic Purpose: A Pilot study. University of Stirlling: British Council.


Sumipo, Jasmin, M. (2019) “The Reading Comprehension Levels of Grade 12 ABM Students: An ESP Design for Basic English Course.” International Journal of English Literature and Social Sciences (IJELS), 4(1), pp.114-119.


Swain, M. (2005). The Output Hypothesis: Theory and Research. In E. Hinkel (Ed.), Handbook of Research in Second Language Teaching and Learning (pp. 471-483). Routledge.


Tar I. , K. Varga T. & Wiwezaroski. (2009) “Improving ESP Teaching through Collaboration: The Situation in Hungary”. ESP World, Issue 1 (22), volume 8 pp.22-24


Udu Titus Terver. (2019) “Effect of Communicative Language Teaching Approach on SS 2 Science Students’ use of English Passives in Katsina-Ala Lga of Benue State, Nigeria.” International Journal of English Literature and Social Sciences (IJELS), 4(2), pp.297-303.


West, R. (1994). Needs Analysis in Language Teaching. Language Teaching, 27(1), 1-19.


Widdowson, H. G. (1983). Learning Purpose and Language Use. Oxford University Press.


Wright, T. (2006). The Role of the Teacher in the Language Classroom. In D. Nunan (Ed.), Language Teaching Methodology (pp. 52-68). Cambridge University Press.



DOI: https://doi.org/10.46223/HCMCOUJS.soci.en.16.2.3665.2026
Creative Commons License
© The Author(s) 2026. This is an open access publication under CC BY NC licence.