Current challenges and directions for improvement in ESP listening

The study reviews the significance of listening instruction within English for Specific Purposes (ESP) education. It highlights the gaps in current ESP listening materials, particularly in occupational contexts, where research-based approaches are limited. Drawing on insights from general ESL listening, the paper emphasizes the role of metacognitive strategies in enhancing ESP learners’ listening comprehension. It discusses the cognitive mechanisms and knowledge sources, such as linguistic and discourse knowledge, that are crucial for effective listening in both academic and professional settings. Additionally, the paper identifies challenges faced by ESP learners, including difficulties with specialized vocabulary and interactive listening demands. It advocates for the integration of empirical research into ESP pedagogy to develop more effective instructional materials and practices. The review concludes with recommendations for future research directions, particularly focusing on workplace listening and the incorporation of technological tools to support the development of ESP learners’ listening proficiency.