Using Cooperative Learning in Teaching English for Special Purposes (EAP)

 

 

Cintavhati Pranoto

 

 

The University of Indonesia, as a tertiary educational institution, feels responsible for the production of quality graduates who will be able to enhance the standard and quality of social life. In addition, it is also responsible to make its graduates able to compete in the global job market during the era of economic liberation, which will start in the year 2020. For these reasons, the University of Indonesia is determined to help students develop their intellectual capacity and integrity as well as awaken their deep concern for the welfare of their people.

 

In its effort to achieve the objectives of producing graduates who can think analytically, critically and creatively, the University of Indonesia has established a program called “Pendidikan Dasar Perguruan Tinggi (d.h. Basic Education for Tertiary Level Students, further referred to as PDPT) which is to provide students not only with the basic knowledge and the skills needed for effective learning, but also with the proper attitude and behaviour of an academic individual.

 

PDPT UI integrates all eight subjects previously included in the General Subjects (Matakuliah Umum). Seven of them are integrated in one teaching program having one syllabus, while Academic English is separated from the other subjects, and has its own syllabus. PDPT is compulsory for S1 incoming students in all faculties. The new paradigm that PDPT has implemented changes the teaching method from teacher oriented to student-oriental by which learners are guided, directed and motivated towards critical thinking, intellectual curiosity and problem solving. Therefore, related skills identified to contribute to achieving to objective – the competence to communicate effectively and to access and manage information efficiently – should be particularly dealt with in the learning process. In this context, both skills in using computers and  the language of science obtained from English for Academic Purposes (EAP) should be developed in such a way that they can significantly contribute to the achievement of the main objectives.

 

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Pranoto, C. (2003, August). Using cooperative learning in teaching English for special purposes (EAP). Paper presented at the NUESP [Network of University ELT Service Providers] National Conference, Jember, Indonesia.

 

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