The Status of ESP in the Algerian University Setting

Abstract

The present study seeks to shed light on the status of ESP in the Algerian
university setting. In the absence of an already-developed ESP course, teachers
find themselves at stake as they are required to design a specific English course
that meets students’ expectations in the academic field and serves their needs in
the professional setting. This study investigates the major problems encountered
by general English teachers at the departments of Biology and Economy at
Biskra University. The findings reveal the importance of ESP instruction in
providing students with the necessary language skills needed in their future
professional setting. They also show the main obstacles and challenges
encountered by EFL teachers in teaching ESP especially within a learnercentered approach.