International Arab Journal of English for Specific Purposes, Vol 4, No 1 (2021)

The Factors behind Learning English for Academic Purposes: The Case of Ain Chock Faculty of Letters and Humanities Casablanca

Mohamed Benhima

Abstract


The objective of this study is to explore the status of English for Academic Purposes in terms of factors, content, methodology and assessment, among Moroccan English Department students. A cross-sectional design constitutes the methodology of this research wherein a sample of fifty-two students completed a Google form questionnaire using non-probability voluntary sampling. Although this study is a small-scale study that cannot be generalized, the results revealed that students choose to study English for Academic purposes for extrinsic motivational factors, especially to get a job in teaching, set up a business or travel abroad. The content of the courses focuses mainly on printed materials. The methodology is mainly teacher-centered based on delivering lectures and module-specific activities. Assessment is mainly summative in nature. Therefore, students provided many recommendations.