공학 및 직무 맥락에서의 ESP 통합 교육: PBL 기반 수업 사례와 학습자 인식 분석

Integrated ESP instruction in engineering and workplace contexts: A PBL-based case study and learner perception analysis

This study explores the design and implementation of an integrated English for Specific Purposes (ESP) course that combined engineering English and workplace English through a problem-based learning (PBL) approach. As English proficiency has become increasingly essential for engineering students in both academic and professional contexts, there is a growing need for ESP instruction that develops both technical and practical communication skills. The study was conducted in an ESP course for third- and fourth-year electronic engineering students at a university in Korea. The course consisted of two PBL modules: an individual project involving the writing of a business-proposal email related to a smart city transportation system, and a team project requiring a presentation on a smart home automation system using major-related knowledge. Data were collected from pre- and post-course surveys, reflective notes, learning artifacts, and the instructor’s classroom and out-of-class observation notes. The findings indicated that the integrated ESP instruction enhanced students’ engagement, motivation, and confidence in using English for both academic and workplace purposes. Learners improved in the use of polite and technical expressions and demonstrated greater teamwork and presentation competence. The study highlights the pedagogical value of integrating academic and workplace English through PBL to promote discipline-specific communication competence.