This study investigated how English language instruction in Vocational and Technical High Schools affected English use in practice, students’ willingness to communicate, and their motivation to improve their English. For this purpose, students who have attended the internship project and teachers who accompanied them are asked open-ended questions via online forms. Qualitative research and purposeful sampling are conducted. Students who attend vocational schools are often seen and stereotyped as non-achievers regarding school success. Hence, this study is crucial to determine whether this notion is correct. Especially, it is important to gain insight from students and teachers who have been abroad. Vocational and Technical Anatolian High Schools have a special method of English teaching, and it is termed as ESP (English for Specific Purposes). It is significant to find an answer to whether this special teaching method, which should be used in vocational high schools, has been implemented purposefully. Moreover, how effective this method is investigated. Results showed that both students’ and teachers’ perceptions on ESP teaching are affirmative; however, there are issues such as limited class hours, unsuitable coursebooks designed for ESP, and lack of authentic environment. Therefore, based on these issues this study confirmed that ESP teaching in Burdur still has a long way to go unless these issues are fixed.

Authors:
İdil Karpuz, Mehmet Akif Ersoy University, Turkey

About the Presenter(s)
Ms İdil Karpuz is a University Postgraduate Student at Mehmet Akif Ersoy University in Turkey

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