The Social Sciences
ISSN: Online 1993-6125ISSN: Print 1818-5800
Abstract
The area of English for Academic Purposes assumes particular importance because of its utility in helping language learners develop the competencies required to function efficiently in their specialized disciplines. As such, a great deal of attention has been devoted to the improvement of EAP teaching and learning, however, research on beliefs about EAP courses has been rather scarce. This research reports on a survey study conducted to identify issues worthy of more in-depth investigation in the area of EAP teaching and learning. To elicit the perceptions of 30 EAP teachers and 90 EAP students, a series of questionnaires were developed and administered which covered such issues as the degree of satisfaction with materials and facilities, degree of focus that should be on language or non-language needs and factors contributing to effective language learning. One issue which emerged from the students’ perceptions was the fact that they had little opportunity to practice English in the class. Also, teachers felt that EFL teachers did not have enough knowledge about their fields and that they could not anticipate language difficulties that EAP students would encounter. Both groups were dissatisfied with textbooks due to the scarcity of authentic tasks and pointed to the simplicity of the books as a hindrance to being skilled in reading the original materials. An interesting finding was the emphasis students placed on the importance of having materials related to their specialized knowledge and the recognition that it was a key to success in EAP classes.
How to cite this article:
Parisa Abdolrezapour and Mansoor Tavakoli. University Teachers and Students’
Perceptions of EAP Methodologies and Their Effectiveness.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36478/sscience.2013.49.54
URL: https://www.makhillpublications.co/view-article/1818-5800/sscience.2013.49.54