Mechanical engineering students’ attitudes towards computer-assisted English language learning

As English for Specific Purposes (ESP) gains prominence in the engineering academic disciplines, the traditional language teaching methods are increasingly falling short in meeting students’ specialized needs. Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL) has thus emerged as a promising alternative for enhancing students’ discipline-specific language skills. Indeed, the effective implementation of such innovative methodology depends not only on a thorough analysis of students’ need but also on a clear assessment of students' attitudes. This study aims at exploring the mechanical engineering students’ attitudes and preferences towards CALL. In order to achieve this purpose, a quantitative research methodology was adopted. A self-designed questionnaire containing nine closed-ended questions was administrated to a total of thirty volunteering freshmen LMD students from the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Science and Technology, Oran U.S.T.O.-MB. The results revealed that the participants are positively aware of the CALL great potential and benefit if offers for improving their English language skills and are manifesting a number of positive signs that show their preparedness to actively engage in a computer-integrated English language environment. The mechanical engineering students are also demonstrating highly-positive attitudes and preferences towards CALL with slightly more inclination to the implementation of the language lab method. Such implementation should occur through gradual transition via blended learning and requires some major strategic pedagogical interventions, including the reform of institutional technological structure and the provision of training and professional development for the ESP practitioners.