Designing EAP Courses for Success

Manifestly, for speakers of English as a second and/or a foreign language to succeed in higher education, the ability to read, write, speak, and listen effectively in academic contexts is rather essential and often challenging. In this regard, this chapter provides English language teaching (ELT) and English for Academic Purposes (EAP) professionals with practical insights and evidence-based good practices for designing courses that meet EAP learners’ needs and improve their academic achievement. This chapter underlines the importance of conducting in-depth needs analysis to identify students’ specific linguistic challenges, disciplinary backgrounds, future academic goals, and cultural norms. This crucial first step informs measurable course learning objectives tailored to learners’ academic English needs. The chapter further discusses in favor of aligning objectives with syllabus design, selecting appropriate authentic materials, and developing scaffolded activities to carefully build students’ academic literacies. With a research-grounded, student-centered approach, this chapter provides ELT and EAP professionals with theoretical and practical guidance on conducting needs analysis, setting goals, designing syllabi, and delivering instruction that empowers diverse EAP students to meet academic expectations and fulfill their true potential. With the insights shared, it is aimed to boost ELT and EAP professionals’ course design expertise and equip their students for success in their academic studies.