This report describes both the objectives and the contents of the English for economics course that Nadeera Rajapakse taught for twelve years at Université Paris 2 Panthéon Assas within the first year of the Master’s degree. She mentions her questioning in relation to contents and the challenge she had to face in gathering her corpus of authentic documents in designing this course. Along with the social sciences, i.e. sociology or psychology, economic research is often based on quantitative studies. Qualitative research is also developed and the author draws our attention to the relevance of looking for alternative sources, focusing on a corpus of writings by heterodox economists with the objective of selecting texts representative of critical thinking today, in both macro- and micro-economics. The detailed syllabus of the course is depicted in the appendices.
The aim of her English for economics course is to help students reach the CEF C1 level in English, through various language activities. The skills she focuses on are those linked to the students’ immediate needs as they are going to enter the job market at junior level position: CV and job interviews, communication skills in a professional setting, oral interaction skills (notably Q&A), and technical writing. In the section of the paper devoted to course design, she goes over some of the specific tasks she conceived to help students reach their learning objectives. Finally, her account of this teaching experience deals with the implementation of the course, and highlights the key issue of flipped teaching, group work and mixed communicative and cooperative techniques. (Séverine Wozniak)
1Assumptions can be dangerous, especially when made by an economist.
- 1 Hutchinson and Waters (1987) viewed ESP as an “approach”, not a “product”, meaning that it “does no (...)
2Jokes aside, that is the risk that I would like to focus on when it comes to teaching English for Economics. English for Specific Purposes (ESP) focuses on the objectives of language learning, set out by the domain or genre within which it is being learnt. When learning English for science subjects such as physics, chemistry or biology, the objectives are clear and the domain is often clearly demarcated. With English for Economics, the question underpinning this report is how fuzzy, porous boundaries of the discipline impact on the ESP teaching and methods.1
- 2 According to <http://diversifyingecon.org “[t]he term “heterodox” refers to any idea that critiques (...)
- 3 The rationality hypothesis is based on two ideas, consistency of choice, and utility maximization. (...)
3Much of economics’ rigour comes from the dominant neoclassical theory, which holds at its core the “rationality” hypothesis. There are nonetheless, many alternative economic theories, heterodox theories,2 which question the narrow, simplifying assumptions. Amartya Sen (1977) questions the rationality hypothesis, stating that it is a form of reductionism and gross simplification. In Sen’s words, the economic agent could be “rational” while being “rather a fool”.3
4As a result of these and other contentions, the varieties of thought have led to an opening up of the boundaries of the discipline. Economics has, for instance, borrowed from psychology (behavioural economics), from neuroscience (neuro-economics).
5Reviewing the rationality hypothesis and the accompanying embrace of other social science approaches has made the boundaries of economics fuzzier. It is not my intention to discuss whether that is desirable or not. Instead my question is about how this trend impacts on teaching ESP – English for Economics.
6Myers (1992) has discussed the paradox that makes economics textbooks better at transmitting a canon of knowledge, and therefore, worse at fostering critical reading. According to Swales,
- 4 Swales has advocated the importance of a balanced argumentation by way of evaluating alternative vi (...)
there are presumably a number of ways of trying to resolve Myers’s paradox. One is to produce an alternative anti-genre type of textbooks that conveys a sense of the subject as 'discourse and conversation' as Klamer and McCloskey are apparently trying to do for Economics. (1993: 224)4
7ESP also runs the risk of providing a “canon of knowledge” if it follows mainstream (textbook) economic theory.
8With these questions in mind, I set out to make the ESP experience one that would avoid teaching a “canon of knowledge”, and would instead enhance students’ awareness of the plurality of economic thought, all the while improving students’ language skills. It is an approach that emphasises “critical thinking” and it encompasses the purely communicative and terminological objectives that are set out.
- 5 I am an ESP teacher as well as a researcher in economics and I relied a great deal on my knowledge (...)
9In the following report, I outline the course that I taught for several years, giving details of its curricula and content, along with a description of how the class work was organised, teaching and evaluation methods, and finally, students’ feedback. While the content was common to all classes in first-year Masters level at the university, all the information provided here is based solely on my classes and reflects the methods and pedagogical approach that I adopted.5
10M1 English for Economics is a compulsory course component for first-year Masters’ students at the University Paris 2, Pantheon-Assas, running over two semesters, consisting of one and a half hours of class every week. M1 English for Economics classes usually have 22 students per group. I taught this course for over twelve years, during which I coordinated the programme for three years. As coordinator, I was involved in elaborating the syllabus and content, which was revised and updated by the team of teachers every year.
11The aim of the ESP classroom is to instruct learners to successfully develop a broad range of skills. The objectives of the above-mentioned course have been discussed and defined over several years, taking into consideration the needs of the students. They can be divided into three categories. First, the aim of avoiding “canons” of knowledge, and using ESP to make students gain deeper understanding of the specialised knowledge, while fostering critical thinking. Second, the stated objectives of each semester. Third, we work on the language activities as they are defined by the Common European Framework of Reference (2018). At M1 level students are expected to reach a C1 standard in these skills. These three levels are not hierarchically differentiated, where one is given priority over the others. Instead, they are compatible and interwoven.
12The objectives of the course are set out each semester. In the first semester, the content is arranged with the objective of understanding key macroeconomic concepts, while the second semester focuses on the corporate world. Thus, the first semester objectives stated in the students’ hand-out are as follows:
13Professional communication skills: We will work towards enhancing your communication skills with a view to producing and delivering effective presentations in a professional setting. The aim is to be able to speak clearly and knowledgeably on a specific topic. You must also aim at stimulating discussion among the group.
14Question and answer skills: It is important to be able to ask questions for clarification or for more information. Reformulating and asking questions are also part of the communication skills we will be working on.
15Writing skills: Being able to write a good commentary by interpreting economic data is very important in a professional setting. This involves not just describing variations, but also analysing trends. We will work on grammar structures and vocabulary that will help you improve your writing style, while also focusing on content analysis.
16Understanding key macroeconomic concepts: The course addresses several macroeconomic issues such as economic indicators and data, regulation and public policies, Brexit and international affairs, and models of capitalism. We intend to deepen your understanding of these issues. (M1 English for Economics, Students hand-out).
17The objectives of the second semester are:
18CV and Cover letter writing.
19Professional communication skills: Role plays and specialised discussions with technical terms and vocabulary.
20Understanding key concepts relating to the corporate world and business structures (M1 English for Economics, Students hand-out).
21M1 level students are the most suited for this approach. They have a solid grounding in economics and have chosen a specialised area for their Masters studies. In addition to the general economic theories (micro economics, macro economics, international trade, political economy, statistics, etc.), they also have knowledge of their chosen field (financial economics, game theory, decision-making, times series, contemporary geopolitics, management). Furthermore, they have often come across some heterodox economic theories (behavioural economics, institutional economics, etc.) inside and outside university, which makes them more receptive to the idea of pluralist thought in economics. For this cohort then, the objectives above are defined in order to make their ESP experience develop a greater sense of debate and discussion.
- 6 “Authentic texts play an important role in demonstrating `real language use” (Basturkmen 2010: 63).
22ESP, as opposed to general language acquisition, falls within the scope of content-based language skills. Determining content, therefore, requires prior clarification of its boundaries and limits. In this respect, the content chosen for class work aims at fulfilling both the list of stated objectives as well as the broader idea of fostering pluralist thought. The material used is authentic in keeping with the practice in ESP classes.6
- 7 The students’hand-out is designed by the team of M1 teachers using material derived from economics (...)
23Each chapter of the students’ hand-out7 contains reading material, listening comprehension links, comprehension and discussion questions, grammar reviews and vocabulary highlights. While these categories of material are similar to what is found in most language learning methods and books, it is the content that allows the teachers to direct discussion towards “heterodox” thinking (see Appendix 1).
- 8 These techniques enable English language acquisition, notably the four language skills, through a c (...)
24Making the class as interactive as possible and ensuring that students are always engaged is one of my priorities and challenges. I use a mix of communicative and cooperative learning techniques.8
25During the one and a half hours of class, students are called upon to use all the language activities, with special emphasis on speaking. Prior to class, they are given reading assignments, with comprehension and discussion questions, as well as further reading references and research tips. Thus, they are expected to be prepared and able to discuss the texts or material each week. In addition to the prepared answers, I invite students to comment on the subject, give their opinion, and talk about their own experiences, in order to make it as lively as possible.
26Part of the class work is done in small groups of about three – four students: they are given case studies, role play material, debate topics, and other group work, which they prepare for a few minutes. These activities are chosen so as to enable students to apply theoretical knowledge to practical examples derived from professional environments.
27Then each group is invited to participate. I insist that each member of the group speaks, regardless of their level in English. The entire class then debriefs on the final results or outcomes of the group work. This is then summarised in a written report by the students, either working in groups or individually.
28Students also prepare class presentations, on topics of their choosing, keeping in line with the main themes of the semester. I emphasise the importance of having one or two key arguments around which the content and ideas need to be arranged – the presentation assessment sheet is given in Appendix 2.
29Student presentations are followed by a question-and-answer session, where the audience is invited to react, comment, ask questions. (At the beginning of the semester, I inform students that participation in the question-and-answer session is one of the main components of the participation grade of the semester.) This general discussion is usually quite animated and the entire class is involved. It is also important to draw the speakers out, because it forces them to answer spontaneously, without a script, which most manage to do very well.
30In keeping with the “critical thinking” objective, one of the criteria of a good presentation is when speakers show awareness, or even understanding, of various lines of thinking on the subject. Indeed, when the presentation evaluation criteria are explained to them beforehand (appendix 2), most of them make a commendable effort to ensure that their topic is well-rounded. In addition, the question and answer session also reveals a diverse range of references and examples, which reflect the fact that students can and do draw from a variety of theories and thought, especially when encouraged to do so.
31Table 1 provides examples of some of the activities done in class. The corresponding linguistic objectives along with some examples of non-linguistic objectives are given.
Table 1: Examples of tasks done in class
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Examples of material
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Examples of activities
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Linguistic objectives
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Examples of non-linguistic objectives
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Semester 1
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Chapter 1 – Measuring Economic Performance
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Listening comprehension
Discussion on the importance of choosing what we measure
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Specialised vocabulary (indicators and methods)
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Critical thinking on the limits of indicators
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Commentaries on graphs
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Writing skills
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Analytical skills
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Discussing alternate theories
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Spoken interaction
Comprehension
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Opening up to heterodox theories
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Chapter 2 – Financial and Environmental Regulation
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Reading on recent financial regulation (USA, Europe)
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Reading and listening comprehension
Spoken interaction
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Debating on market mechanisms, rational behaviour
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Discussing behavioural economics
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Understanding behavioural economics
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Chapter 3 – International Affairs
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Debating on Brexit
Debating on international capital and labour flows
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Spoken production and interaction
Comprehension
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Researching and referencing heterodox thought
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Chapter 4 – Models of Capitalism
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Analysing presidential speeches on economic affairs
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Reading and listening comprehension
Spoken interaction
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Analytical skills
Discussing economic theory and policy
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Semester 2
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Chapter 1 – Company Structures
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Describing organizational charts
Describing jobs
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Specialised vocabulary (indicators and methods)
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Understanding job requirements
Thinking about career plans
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Spoken interaction
Comprehension
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Chapter 2 – Human Resource
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CV writing
Role plays – job interviews
Role play – Managing HR
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Spoken production and interaction
Comprehension
Writing
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Talking about oneself
Establishing career plans
Working on soft skills
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Chapter 3 - Marketing
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Case studies on the marketing mix
Role plays – Crowdfunding / crowdsourcing
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Spoken production and interaction
Comprehension
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Practising sales pitch
Negotiating skills
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Chapter 4 – The Banking Industry
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Role plays – Banking jobs
Role plays – Client service
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Spoken production and interaction
Comprehension
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Problem-solving skills
Working on empathy and listening
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Chapter 5 – Working across Cultures
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Role plays – Cross-cultural communication
Debates – Cultural stereotypes / Cultural appropriation
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Spoken production and interaction
Comprehension
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Working on empathy and listening
Communicative skills
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32I will discuss results in two ways: first, through my evaluations of students’ results, in terms of reaching objectives, and second, by looking at other categories of criteria from the feedback and evaluation given by the students of the course. In the first case, the results will give a direct indication of the success of the course, while the second series of results could be interpreted as an impact on the holistic learning experience of students.
33Students are assessed on the stated language activities throughout the semester. They have a midterm written test, an oral presentation to do before class, and an end-of-semester oral examination. For each assessment, their marks are equally divided (50-50) between content and language. The four objectives are assessed through these evaluation methods.
Fulfilling course objectives
Semester 1
34Professional communication skills: students fulfil this objective well. Class presentations are often of very good quality, showing commendable research skills and sound preparation. Marks range from 20 to 45 out of 50 (Appendix 2). Above all, students manage to satisfy most of the evaluation criteria.
35Question and answer skills: Here too, students obtain good results. This activity is evaluated during the discussion following presentations, but also during class discussions. While grammar structures leave room for improvement, their ability to ask a question clearly and invite a satisfying answer improves considerably over the two semesters.
36Writing skills: Here students have lower marks than for their speaking and communication skills. Very often, the low marks reflect weak grammar and language structures, whereas the second component, i.e. content, is often satisfactory, if not, good.
37Understanding macroeconomic concepts: This objective is evaluated directly, through vocabulary questions and through how they are put into practice in speaking and writing. Students generally learn – master and put into practice – a fairly long list of specialised words and concepts throughout the semester. At the same time, the class discussions and, to a lesser extent, the written work, reveal that students have also acquired a broader list belonging to heterodox economic thought.
Semester 2
38CV and cover letter-writing skills: The midterm written test, in addition to written assignments throughout the semester allows me to assess their progress in this domain. Students are often very keen on this activity, which is of concrete and almost immediate import to them. They show good mastery of vocabulary, as well as of the necessary grammar structures.
39Professional communication skills: Students are graded on their role plays, as well as on other group discussion activities during the semester. By using a variety of role plays, of different types, students manage to relate to and identify with different personalities, which makes this a successful way of improving their communication skills. As mentioned earlier, it pushes them to improve their vocabulary, but also their broader communication skills (empathy, understanding, tact, along with negotiating skills, cross-cultural awareness, etc.).
40Understanding key concepts of the corporate world and business structures: Both the written and spoken production and interaction in class are used to evaluate this skill. While this is a straightforward evaluation of their vocabulary and understanding, it is also an indication of their positions with regard to the “critical thinking” objective.
41On the whole, student grades average around 6/10 for the M1 groups. I have identified some key points with regard to students’ achievements and grades.
42Students who already have a good level in English (B2 and above) make progress in terms of advanced and broader vocabulary, and also in terms of what I called the subtleties of communication. These students are particularly receptive to the “critical thinking” objective.
43Students with weak grammar and a lack of vocabulary and of practice in speaking (A2 – B1 levels) make a lot of progress in terms of speaking, writing and comprehension. This is especially a consequence of greater practice, and greater confidence not only in language skills, but also in speaking in public, giving one’s opinion and debating. They too appreciate the critical thinking approach.
44The very weak, almost beginner-level students (A1 level) make no noticeable improvement in grammar and syntax. However, they do show progress in speaking, in learning vocabulary, and in communication skills.
45Thus progress is not equal and the relative progress of these groups is different: The advanced and medium-level students improve more and more obviously, while the weaker students do not benefit as much from ESP classes because the progress they do make in personal communication skills does not always outweigh their initial handicap in grammar.
46I give the students in my groups an evaluation form at the end of the year, which they can fill out anonymously, giving their feedback on the course (Appendix 3). In general, students are satisfied with the way the course is designed to achieve the objectives set out at the beginning of the semester. In terms of language competencies, there is an overall sense of achievement in speaking skills, while writing skills are met only for a smaller proportion of students. Students also appear to appreciate the interactive, collaborative and communicative techniques used in class, which, for many, is a source of motivation, while also being a way of boosting self-confidence. Finally, many students mention that the course enabled them to grasp deeper understanding of the core discipline, while a few confirm that they enjoyed discussing new ideas.
47My general appraisal of the programme with regard to non-linguistic skills can be summed up as follows: There is evidence (as seen in the indirect references to new ideas in student evaluations) that the approach produces results. Students are more receptive to heterodox theories; they actively seek out alternative arguments to mainstream economic ideas (as seen in their class presentations); they participate more confidently and willingly in debates and discussions.
48While this approach requires further qualitative and quantitative research (via surveys, questionnaires and analysis of gathered information), I am convinced that it benefits students greatly in terms of developing soft skills. Greater cultural awareness, empathy, team work, flexibility and creativity seem to go hand-in-hand with this approach. Students also gain in confidence as a result of being in an environment that promotes critical thinking and pluralist thought.
49Introducing pluralist economic theories as part of the content of English for Economics classes strengthens, rather than contradicts, the idea that ESP is an approach which needs to be conceived based on the needs and methods of the discipline at hand. However, for economics, it entails that the approach becomes less specific, as the boundaries of the discipline become more porous. By teaching students that agents are rational, we are in a way, shaping them to believe it and to adopt such behaviour themselves. English for Economics classes then provide an opportunity to present economics as multidisciplinary, with fuzzy boundaries, and thus, we are less likely to end up with “rational fools.”