ESP: A Reflection Paper

1. The Nature and Characteristics of ESP

English for Specific Purposes (ESP) is a learner-centered approach to teaching

English as an additional language, which focuses on developing communicative
competence in a specific discipline. ESP is an approach to language teaching in which all
decisions as to content and method are based on the learner's reason for learning. ESP
addresses the specific needs of a specific learner in a specific field of discipline. ESP has
absolute and variable characteristics. Absolute characteristics include the following; ESP
is defined to meet specific needs of the learners, ESP makes use of underlying
methodology and activities of the discipline it serves; and ESP is centered on the
language appropriate to these activities in terms of grammar, lexis, register, study skills,
discourse and genre. On the other hand, variable characteristics are ESP may be related to
or designed for specific disciplines, ESP may use, in specific teaching situations, a
different methodology from that of General English, ESP is likely to be designed for
adult learners, either at a tertiary level institution or in a professional work situation. It
could, however, be for learners at secondary school level, ESP is generally designed for
intermediate or advanced students, lastly most ESP courses assume some basic
knowledge of the language systems.

2. The Teaching Plan

2.1 The Subject Matter
My topic is about Taking Notes from Listening Input. I discussed its definition,
importance, strategies and guidelines that needs to consider in taking notes.
2.2 Learning Objectives

At the end of the lesson, the students will be able to appreciate the importance of
taking notes, describe the ways in taking notes, expose students to different styles of
note-taking, give students an opportunity to practice new note-taking strategies and
also, participate in the activities well.

2.3 ESP Learners

The learners that I handled are the students taking up Bachelor of Science in Hotel
and Restaurant Management. They are second year students and they came from the
section three of their course.

2.4 Teaching Materials

I used colorful cartolina for some parts of my visual aids. I also used pictures of
foods since they are HRM students. In my activity, I used a cartolina where my
activity was written.
3. The Teaching Demonstration
3.1 Expectations
I’m expecting that my discussion will be lively and the students will cooperate in
my activities. I am also expecting that I will be able to explain my topic well for the
students to understand and remembered what I have taught them.

3.2 Problems/Challenges Encountered

I had a hard time making my lesson Plan since we were not taught to make
detailed lesson plan in my previous years. So what I did is, I researched and asked
my other classmates who have an experienced in Lesson plan making. Another
problem I encountered was when my files were corrupted. I was really devastated
and couldn’t do anything about it so, I’ve decided to start from the scratch and
reminded myself to backup my files. The Last problem I’ve encountered was during
my Demo-Teaching, My activity was missing and I forgot to bring speakers for my
audio and also, I forgot what was written in my Lesson Plan due to nervousness but
still, despite of all the challenges I’ve encountered I was able to discussed and
explain my topic of course with the help of God truly, all the glory belongs to Him
alone.

3.3 General comments from the Evaluator/s or Cooperating Teacher

3.3.1 Strengths

 Good quality of Voice

 Discussed the topic well
 Jolly and lively discussion
 Always smiling
 Good pronunciation of words
 Asking students’ opinion / ideas about the topic

3.3.2 Weakness

 tense
 talk too fast at some point
 code switching
 Make IM’s more readable
 wear comfortable clothes
4. Overall Reflection and Self Appraisal

At first, I thought I won’t make it because it was my first time to do my demo

teaching on other course aside from BSE. I was really nervous but thank God and to my
cooperating teachers which is Sir Gio and Ma’am Ailyn, I was able to conquer my fear. I
may not be 100% prepared for my upcoming Practice teaching, I am confident that I will
make it because of that experience.
During my demonstration, I forgot what was written on my lesson plan. I really
don’t know what to say. The good thing is, I was able to remember the chronological
order of my topic.
I was really happy that our discussion went well. The students participate well and
listened carefully. Also, when my cooperating teachers and evaluators commend me for
having a lively discussion and modulated voice that helps them to understand our topic.
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REFLECTION PAPER

A PAPER SUBMITTED TO
THE FACULTY OF
CAVITE STATE UNIVERSITY-MAIN CAMPUS AND TO
MR. GILBERT T. GUERRERO

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements in

ENGLISH FOR SPECIFIC PURPOSES (ENGL130A)
First Semester, AY 2017-2018

BY:
Anna Y. Lozada
BSE-English 4-4
November 20, 2017