English for specific purposes (ESP) program evaluation of an engineering faculty at a private university in Turkey

This thesis aims to evaluate the English for Specific Purposes (ESP) program at the engineering faculty at Toros University in Turkey. The research was based on Hutchinson and Waters' (1987) framework for ESP, and multiple sources of data collection were used. The participants of this study were 66 engineering faculty students and six ESP instructors. The study demonstrated that the main objective of the ESP program is to develop personal strategies for reviewing new related vocabulary, to use vocabulary in a variety of academic speaking, listening, writing and reading activities. The students' needs were grouped in three categories which are occupational, social and educational. The main need of the engineering students is expansion of vocabulary because they are unfamiliar with the terminology of their future professions. The majority of the students believed they were competent in grammar but needed to develop their vocabulary. Most of the students wanted to use a textbook prepared specifically for their major study area. This thesis contributes to the knowledge of the ESP branches employed at the engineering faculty of Toros University. It also contributes to language instructors who are preparing to practice teaching in this area and to researchers who are willing to conduct research about this field. Keywords: English for specific purposes, ESP, ELT, Needs analysis