A study on the interpretation of sustainability by ESP engineering learners

Abstract

The study of sustainability by engineering students is an under researched point that deserves attention since most of these learners are expected to manage this notion skilfully during their academic and professional activities. As ESP (English for Specific Purposes) teachers, we are interested in exploring the conceptual tenet of sustainability that our engineering students need, focusing on their knowledge and interpretation. For this purpose, a specific survey that helped us obtain realistic data from both building and civil engineering students was conducted. The survey is based on a specific questionnaire addressed to various engineering courses, as our aim was to peruse the knowledge of sustainability in different academic cycles. Additionally, the treatment of sustainability in curricular subjects, for example learning objectives and activities were considered in our analysis. The findings of the survey indicate that, although the students do identify barriers in their knowledge on sustainability, they need specific ways to cover their gaps. We conclude that, as ESP teachers, it is advisable to foster the use of specific strategies in our ESP class (e.g. planning, monitoring and self-assessment) by means of self-awareness practical tasks to help students accomplish their aims.