In His Name

EAP Curriculum in Iran:History, Challenges, & Prospects

By:S. Yahya Hejazi

(MA in TEFL)25 April, 2014

9 – 10 AMKashan Language Academy

Email: Hejazi_Yahya@Hotmail.com

English for Specific Purposes (ESP)

What is ESP?Characteristics:Primacy of needsAttention to specific language, skills,

discourse, and genresDifferent methodology than general

coursesMainly for adultsMostly for intermediate and

advanced students

Why ESP?Practicality NeedsContext Learners

ESP Classifications

English for Academic Purposes (EAP)

Definition PurposesPrimacy of NeedsTypes: English for General

Academic Purposes (EGAP) & English for Specific Purposes (ESAP)

EAP Growth in Iran Objectives Three main eras: 1. 1970s2. 1980s3. 1990s and onwards

ProblemsMaterials development and

course design based on intuitionsLack of any coherent, systematic

curriculum development No rigorous needs analysisBroad statement of goals Students’ low and heterogeneous

GEP level

ProblemsLack of well-qualified ESP

teachers,Conventional, counter-productive

ESP methodology, e.g. undue emphasis on translation and memorization of lexical and grammatical points

Lack of a rigorous evaluation method

Lack of up-to-date, suitable ESP books

Lack of audio-visual aidsLack of real, demanding

situations in Iran to use English