Benefits of Student-Centered Tandem Teaching in Medical English

Abstract

This paper addresses some of the key notions about English for special purposes with special regard to English for medical purposes. The content was determined by observations and based on authors’ professional experience. The starting point of a medical English course is a thorough analysis of students’ needs, which is then used in course design and definition of appropriate learning goals. The student is at the center of learning and it is necessary to establish a positive cooperation between students and teachers. As medical English course is highly context-based, the inclusion of medical teachers can offer many opportunities for a successful learning process.

Keywords: learner-centered approach; problem-based learning; student autonomy; teacher’s role; tandem teaching