Design-Build-Write: Increasing The Impact Of English For Specific Purposes Learning And Teaching In Aeronautical Engineering Education Through Multiple Intelligences Task Design

Abstract

This article presents an English for Specific Purposes (ESP) task developed for teaching aeronautical engineering students. The task Design-Build-Write rests on the assumption that engineering students are skilled at mathematical reasoning, problem solving, drawing and constructing. In Gardner’s 1983 Multiple Intelligences (MI) theory, these skills strongly correspond to the logical-mathematical, bodily-kinesthetic and spatial intelligences. The current task combines creativity, innovation and problem solving with the description of technical concepts. An enthusiastic learner response in class suggests that the target group of aeronautical engineering students could be engaged and captivated by this assignment.