EXAMINING FORMATIVE EVALUATION OF AN ESP PROGRAM: EXAMINING FORMATIVE EVALUATION OF AN ENGLISH FOR SPECIFIC PURPOSES PROGRAM

The aim of this study is to examine the use of formative evaluation using a process-based model as a way of conceptualizing the parameters of an evaluation study. In particular, it examines the question of Does formative program evaluation provide useful data for an ESP program? The Arabian Industrial College (AIC) English for specific purposes program was used as an example to conduct the current study. More specifically, a selective group of stakeholders' perspectives ESP teachers, students and alumni of the various components of an ESP program were examined at the AIC. The results indicated that using a formative approach to evaluate an ESP program would not only help educators identify strengths of their language program and reinforce those strengths, but such approach would also help them examine practices and policies and to address them where necessary.