Constructivism – an emerging trend in ESP teaching and learning

Slađana Živković, University of Niš, Serbia

sladjanazivkovic.ni@gmail.com

Abstract

This paper argues in favour of constructivism and its implications in the design of the ESP digital learning environment. Entering the world of globalization and competitiveness, the emphasis is on the need to prepare students (future specialists) to be creative and innovative, to think critically and analytically, and to be able to effectively solve real-world problems. With higher-order thinking skills students will become creators of knowledge, competent and productive communicators, successful collaborators, independent and inventive thinkers, problem solvers and career experts. Consequently, students take full responsibility for their learning and knowledge construction in the context of contemporary life. Bearing in mind that ESP is a student-centered approach, it is clear that it fits well with  constructivism which focuses on knowledge construction through the interaction with the environment. Modern ESP constructivist learning environments are technology-based which contributes to improving learning achievements and increasing learning outcomes.

Key words: constructivism, ESP, learning environment, digital technologies

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