THE EFFECTIVENESS OF CASE-BASED STUDIES OF ESP COURSE IN JOB PERFORMANCES: GRADUATES’ PERCEPTIONS

Abstract

ABSTRACT

The last two decades witnessed the rapid development of English language as a global means of communication. Consequently, many educational institutions have built programs that combine English and Business such as English for Economics or English for Finance and Banking. In these programs, case-based studies are often utilized, allowing students to apply their previously learnt knowledge into reality as well as to gain experience and sharpen necessaries skills in real-life situations. In an attempt to explore the effectiveness of this learning activity from perspectives of graduates in economic-oriented programs, FELTE, ULIS, this paper is aimed at investigating the benefits of case-based studies in job performances, as well as the limitations of this learning activity and the suggested solutions. To reach the aforementioned aims and objectives, survey questionnaires and interviews were employed in the study. Participants of the study were 1 teacher and 107 graduates of economic-oriented programs. The findings showed that case-based studies are of high validity, which means they are close and appropriate to what students learn and what they may encounter in their real jobs. However, there are 5 major limitations that decrease the effectiveness of this learning method. The adaption of the content of the course as well as the organization of preparation stage suggestions, along with some other solutions for these hindrances was also revealed. In addition, the study offered several pedagogical suggestions for the implementation of case-based studies in English for Economics and English for Finance and Banking courses in economic-oriented programs, FELTE, ULIS.