Options in generating dialogues for ESP course material

The text-based approach to materials and syllabus design, in which an integrated syllabus emerges from texts, is an attractive option for teachers developing materials. In this approach, one question that arises concerns how texts for the materials are obtained. This is discussed here with reference to an English for nursing purposes course in Thailand. Four alternatives for obtaining dialogues of nurse–patient communication are explored, namely composing scripts, using recordings of nurses at work, using texts derived from unscripted role-plays involving medical professionals, and using transcripts of recorded classroom interaction between student and teacher. Following consideration of these alternatives, units were designed around transcripts of unscripted role-plays featuring medical professionals. These provide rich language input and contain features of spontaneous language and language unanticipated by the writer. In the course material there is also exposure to authentic texts, and a role for the creation of texts in the classroom through teacher–learner interaction. This final option involves learners transcribing and discussing recordings and focuses attention on language emerging from interaction in which learners have personal investment. The creation of an integrated syllabus from these texts contributes to professional development by involving teachers in the process of analysing discourse.16 page(s