THE EFFECT OF THE DEEP END METHODOLOGY IN TEACHING ENGLISH FOR SPECIFIC PURPOSES ON DEVELOPING LEARNERS VOCABULARY

Abstract

Language for Specific Purposes (LSP) serves to bridge the existing gap between the requirements of future professions and what learners actually encounter in language classrooms. Due to the globalisation and the tremendous increase of international communication in various fields, the demand for English for Specific Purposes (ESP) is expanding in Algeria. Despite this need, ESP instruction is still limited to traditional methodologies, like the genre-based approach. Believing in the essential role adequate methodologies can play in promoting an ESP course, the focus of the current study is to shed light on an innovative methodology, termed the ‘deep-end’. This research investigates the impact of using this methodology on the most important language aspect which is vocabulary. Thus, it is hypothesised that in case the deep-end methodology is implemented in English for Specific Purposes’ instruction, learners will enhance their vocabulary stock and improve their vocabulary learning strategies. To this end, an experimental research has been conducted involving a sample of 30 students divided into two groups from the department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Technology at Boussouf University centre of Mila, Algeria. To examine the treatment effectiveness, a pre-test and post-test were administered to both groups (experimental and control). Based on the statistical findings using the t-test, the experimental group outcomes in the post-test were remarkably better than those of their counterparts in the control group. Data obtained indicate that an ESP course which integrates the deep-end methodology assists the learners to develop their vocabulary. In light of these results, the deepend methodology is recommended in ESP courses in Algerian universities.