An e-project-based approach to ESP learning in an ICT curriculum in higher education

The interest in the integration of language learning with knowledge/content construction is growing around the world leading to Content-Based Instruction (CBI) which emphasizes the connection between the skills and information provided in the English for Specific Purposes (ESP) course and the technical material taught in their discipline. Interactive teamwork, critical reading and writing, communication skills, negotiation, presentations are some of the vital soft skills for today’s academic and future work environment. Traditionally, ESP involves a lecture mode where academic literacies and skills such as reading comprehension, writing, and vocabulary are practised. This paper discusses and analyses qualitative and quantitative results from the introduction of an e-methodology in two university departments for teaching/learning ESP in the framework of discipline-related, CBI and project work which enhances and modernizes teaching and learning ESP and develops new study habits for learners by promoting self-directed, autonomous, active learning, out-of-classroom learning and by encouraging students’ engagement and academic socialisation.