Practice of the Reading Skill in an ESP Context Using Web-retrieved Materials: The Case of Engineering Students at the University of Tlemcen

Abstract

The vast amount and great variety of current and readily available materials on Internet can be exploited to integrate the different skills in ESP teaching. This research explores the integration of web-based materials into a content-based ESP course. It examines how Internet offers the opportunity to design significant activities related to the course objectives. It is, therefore, proposed that Internet should be used to help learners take more control of their learning and promote attitudes which lead to autonomous learning and motivating teaching. The present research work is an experimental case study of 2nd year Electronic Instrumentation Engineering Master Students. Data were collected through three instruments of research: a students’ questionnaire, an English teachers’ interview and experimental instruments (pre- and post-tests). Qualitative and quantitative analyses were proceeded in order to have insights into engineering students’ needs as well as attitudes towards the integration of web-retrieved materials in the reading instruction. After analysis, it was revealed that EIE students need to develop particular skills in English and raise their reading abilities as well. It was also shown that the integration of web-based materials in teaching the reading skill was positively accepted by those students resulted by their progress after experimentation.