An Evaluative Case Study Of The MarEng Program From Users' Perspective

This research attempts to analyze the MarEng as a Maritime English resource to facilitate the learners from users' perspective. Maritime English as ESP in maritime communication section is in rising stage due to its importance for maritime safety and development. MarEng is an on-line free Multimedia program, developed by six European maritime experts and English teachers, aimed to improve learners' commutative efficiency with maritime background by providing specific learning environment and enabling them to enhance their language skills.The current research is aimed to find out the strength and limitations of MarEng based on the learners' attitude toward it. On the basis of Constructivist learning theory, this paper adopts a checklist to evaluate the general condition and specific features of this program. Another instrument for this research is questionnaire to elicit learners' responses. The results of the questionnaire indicate that the learners' attitudes towards MarEng are positive. By discussing the combination of the results of the questionnaire and checklist, it is concluded that MarEng's strength lies in its authentic material, attractive design, personalizing, relaxed learning environment and adequate exercises. However, the weaknesses are also obvious: lack of interactivity, deficient operational design, lack of stress on writing ability and absence of answers to exercises. Hopefully, this research can be useful for teachers and learners to utilize this program appropriately.