Students´Perceptions of the ESP Course Taught in an Omani University: An Efficacious use of the Learning Management System as a Research Tool

Abstract: This paper assesses ESP students´perceptions of the course book and the course material involving the integration of the Learning Management System (LMS) at Sohar University in Oman. A survey research method was adopted in a case study exposing the ESP student groups of Business, IT and Engineering faculties to the questions posted on the forum of University LMS. With the aim to ensure that the students liked the course book and course material, they were asked two questions on the LMS and asked to write their perceptions. The findings suggest that although the respondents mostly appreciated the book and the materials, some were against using them. The findings also illustrate the themes of relevance or irrelevance of the course materials, the importance of workplace English, students´acknowledgement of their low level of English and a tendency to prefer having their own business over other jobs. The study also suggests using online learning systems differently to get students´opinions in an open environment.

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Authors: Inayat Shah