Problem Solving and Reading in an ESP Context

Abstract

This qualitative study provides a characterization of the different problem solving processes that students go through when reading texts related to their professional fields in an ESP context. It also considers the role diverse backgrounds play in the reading comprehension process and the way students approach problem solving tasks. The following questions are addressed: 1) what do ESP students responses inform us about their problem solving processes when reading texts related to their professional fields? 2) What kinds of problem solving skills are revealed in their written and oral responses? 3) How do students backgrounds influence the way they approach problem solving tasks? For collecting data, three different research instruments were used: Teacher s field notes, students portfolios and portfolio conferences. It was found that students carried out four different problem solving processes: Clarification of the problem, organization of the information, reasoning of the information and decision making in order to get a solution to the posed problems. Recommendations for future research and practice in the ESP pedagogical scene are also provided.