Workshop on the Teaching of ESP and General English Courses in Sanaa University An Appraisal [Archives:2000/23/Last Page]

In the context of the sweeping changes taking place consequent upon the rapid technological advancements, there is bound to be a corresponding change in the teaching technology. The universities and other institutions of academic enterprise must, in the fitness of things, brace themselves to the fitting instruments of socio-academic transformation. The Faculty of Languages, Sanaa University is no exception. With a view to toning up the English for Specific Purposes (ESP) and General English (GE) courses offered by the faculty in different professional streams of the university, keeping in view the demands and challenges of an emerging new society, a two-day workshop was organized under the auspices of the Faculty on 23-24 May 2000.
After an auspicious opening of the workshop by a recitation of verses from the holy Quran, Dr. Abdul Ridah vice Dean of the Faculty warmly welcomed the participants, followed by the inauguration of the event by Dr. Hussein Iryani, vice Rector of the University. The keynote speaker, Prof. Damodar Thakur, Head of the English Department, Sanaa University gave a clarion call to the participants and members of the English teaching fraternity in general to sensitize themselves in the specifics of an academic discipline within a broad framework so that its unbroken wholeness is maintained He spelt out in general terms the principles and parameters of evaluation of courses. This indeed set the tone of the workshop and provided a useful backdrop for the deliberations. Prof. Mohamed Daud, Dean of the faculty endorsed the saliency of the views expressed and underscored the pertinence of the theme of the workshop. Dr. Awadhesh Kumar Sharma, Professor and Head, Faculty of Languages and Director of the workshop outlined the specific issues before the workshop.
The first business session, started with a panel discussion on the nature and scope of ESP courses as well as their role and relevance in the current educational scenario in the Sanaa University. The panel discussion chaired by Prof. Thakur included Prof. B.T. Desai of Faculty of Languages, Dr. R.K. Jayaraman, Dr. P.N. Ramani both from the Faculty of Education, Sanaa University, and Dr. Aziz Thabet, of faculty of languages. Prof. A.K. Sharma, who moderated the discussion raised a gamut of key issues such as the importance of English in the socio-academic crucible in Yemen, genesis and development of the concept of ESP, the interface between general English vis–vis ESP in conceptual and methodological terms, ramifications of the ESP course modules, the texture of instructional materials, implications for teacher training and so forth. What ensued was a brilliant scaffolding of ideas projecting not only the subtleties and nuances of ESP, but a lot of illuminating insight into practicalities of the English teaching enterprise that was at once informative and enlivening. The session concluded with the presentation of reports on teaching English in the departments of Medicine and Engineering by the respective coordinators Dr. Rajiv Bhusan and Mr. Khalid Almaweri. The reports which embodied introspective deliberations of various committees constituted for the purpose reflected upon the problems and prospects of teaching specialized courses to groups of students in defeating circumstances.
Proceedings of the second day began with Prof. Bhim S. Daniya, visiting professor, Faculty of Languages on the Chair. The reports and recommendations of the following departments were presented at the plenary by the coordinators of the respective committees. They are:
Faculty of Science-Ms. Enaia Sharafuddin
Faculty of Agriculture-Mr. Faraj Maw’id
Faculty of Mass Communication, Mr. Khaled Almasna’a
Faculty of commerce-Mr. Abdul Hakim Al-Hammadi
Faculty of Arts-Mr. Hussein Zubeiriy
Faculty of Education-Ms. Khadija Al-Sarhi
Faculty of Languages (French and German)-Ms. Bilquis Matraf
The animated discussion that followed each presentation was a happy blend of theoretical insight and practicable strategies keeping in view the ground realities obtaining here.
The valedictory session started with Dr. Radah, vice Dean of the faculty on the chair. Dr. Ramakanta Sahu presented a brief summary of the deliberations of the two-day academic jamboree. It was followed by a proposal made by Dr. R.V. Ram, Faculty of Education for initiating classroom based Action Research projects for making the teacher a problem-solver, a researcher, enabling him to theorize from the classroom. Prof. B.T. Desai also placed before the house the broad framework of an innovative curriculum renewal project. Both the proposals by Dr. Ram and Prof. Desai were well-taken and the house resolved to draft suitable action plans for their implementation.
In tune with the spirit of a learner-friendly approach which the house endorsed, it was heartening to see a student of level 2, Faculty of Education, Ms. Hajar Ismail come on stage and passionately plead for increasing learners involvement in designing appropriate course modules for specific abilities groups, which was lauded by all sections of the house.
An important sidelight of the workshop was a Book Exhibition on ESP and allied issues organized under the supervision of Prof. B.T. Desai which provided a stimulating springboard for updating participants’ levels of information about this emerging branch of English pedagogy.
As the two-day revels were ended with a valedictory note by the vice Dean and formal vote of thanks by Prof. A.K. Sharma, everyone’s heart was full at having a rich and rewarding experience. The workshop, which was a pioneering step and an important milestone in the history of English teaching in Sanaa University, provided a valuable platform not only for the projection of ideas, but a meeting ground to bring personalities and principles together, making it a breathtaking event for a long time to cherish and treasure in memory.

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