EMP and its Impact on Nursing Students in Kerala- a Case Study

Authors

  • Cephas Cherian Alexander , Dr. S. Jeyachandra , Dr. J. Sundarsingh

Abstract

—In the context of significant importance given to language proficiency in nursing profession, a
study on the role of English for Medical purpose (EMP) appeared relevant and suitable. Nurses are tested to
find out their general communicative ability and the ability to interact with the patients so that the hospitals
could give better services to the people. Nursing institutions have offered language courses to improve the
learners linguistic skills and soft skills. The present study attempts to look at the quality of EMP and its
impact on the language capabilities of nurses through task based language teaching approach. An
experiment is attempted in a nursing college in Kerala and the outcome of the study is presented in this
paper. The study has ample evidence to show how design of EMP materials through learner - oriented
method, based on tasks has enhanced the language competency of nursing students in the experimental
group. In contrast, the control group has not shown any improvement as the group is taught in general
traditional teaching method. From this it may be considered that such a design of effective teaching EMP
course, containing tailor made activities or specific tasks for nursing students has more impact on the
language abilities and they are essential for their enhancement of skills in English

Published

2020-04-30

Issue

Section

Articles