M-learning in the process of studying English for specific purposes (ESP): methodological approaches and performance assessment

Abstract

The subject of this research is the methods of m-learning in teaching English language for specific purposes to students of the higher educational institution. The authors examine a range of questions related to digitalization of educational environment, as well as the relevance of implementation of mobile technologies into the process of teaching English language. The article analyzes various methods of m-learning and present a broad array of tasks developed by the authors. The efficiency of m-learning method is determined based on the results of questionnaire of students of the School of Design of the Higher School of Economics, after taking the course with application of mobile technologies over three-year period. The scientific novelty consists in examination of m-learning as a pedagogical innovation within the framework of university education. The authors attempt to invest into development of new teaching methodology through in-depth study of the possibilities and effectiveness of m-learning in foreign language teaching. The results of this research demonstrate that in the period from 2017 to 2019 there was a growth in student interest towards m-learning. Majority of students of the Higher School of Economics preferred taking the classes using mobile technologies, as they believe mobile learning is more efficient. Classes become more interactive and contribute to rapid development of language skills. However, some of the students take a cautious approach to this novelty, as they feel that traditional methodologies of teaching English language are more effective.