Abstract
Transformative learning is an underlying theory in various aspects of contemporary language pedagogy, the field of teaching English for specific purposes (ESP) is no exception. When applied to the ESP curriculum, transformative learning can have significant implications and it can be beneficial for engineering students, as it follows their specific needs. Due to digitalisation processes in higher education institutions, it has become crucial to study the current dimensions of transformative learning in ESP in engineering education and whether its implications support new forms of learning such as AI-powered tools. The main aim of the present research is to examine students’ opinions on AI tools’ incorporation in ESP and to examine the impact of AI technology on student transformative learning outcomes in ESP. The article overviews the theory of transformative learning, discusses transformative principles’ implications in ESP, gives examples of how transformative learning can be facilitated through the use of AI technology, investigates engineering students’ opinions about AI technology implementation, and presents student self-assessment of their transformative learning outcomes in the ESP course.
The results of the study were obtained in a questionnaire, involving 137 undergraduate and postgraduate engineering students of different engineering programs at Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies. The data obtained show that students have a positive opinion about AI technology use in ESP as it promotes motivation and enhances confidence to use the English language in engineering contexts. Moreover, the introduction of AI technology in ESP is beneficial for student transformation, as it enhances autonomy, critical thinking, reflection, and the ability to communicate and cooperate. The obtained results can be used by ESP practitioners in the revision of methods and content promoting transformative learning outcomes.
Author Information
Tatjana Sinkus, Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, Latvia
Paper Information
Conference: BCE2024
Stream: Higher education
This paper is part of the BCE2024 Conference Proceedings (View)
Full Paper
View / Download the full paper in a new tab/window
To cite this article:
Sinkus T. (2025) AI-Enhanced Transformative Approach to ESP in Engineering Education ISSN: 2435-9467 – The Barcelona Conference on Education 2024: Official Conference Proceedings (pp. 63-71) https://doi.org/10.22492/issn.2435-9467.2024.7
To link to this article: https://doi.org/10.22492/issn.2435-9467.2024.7
Comments
Powered by WP LinkPress