Teaching English for specific purposes in medical higher education institutions: features of the author’s methodology and its effectiveness

Abstract

The article examines the features of the author’s methodology for teaching English in medical higher education institutions, which is based on a modular approach and the integration of theoretical and practical aspects of learning. The proposed methodology structures the learning process according to a scheme that combines several theoretical lessons with practical sessions, allowing students to gradually acquire professional vocabulary and apply it more effectively in specialized settings. This approach promotes the development of speaking and writing skills, expands vocabulary, improves listening comprehension, and enhances overall communicative competence. An essential component of the methodology is the use of communicative, interactive, and case- based exercises, which provide a deeper understanding of the learning material.Particular attention is paid to working with clinical cases that simulate real professional communication situations. This contributes to the development of critical thinking and the ability to express opinions argumentatively in a clinical context. Additionally, role-playing games and group discussions help students refine their ability to interact with patients and colleagues in English. The effectiveness of the methodology is assessed by analyzing changes in students’ academic performance, their ability to use English in professional settings, and their motivation to study the language. The study demonstrates that applying this approach positively impacts students’ proficiency in English, particularly in understanding medical texts, structuring written thoughts, and using terminology accurately. Significant progress is also observed in students’ ability to translate and apply acquired knowledge in clinical scenarios. Although certain aspects, such as the active use of specialized vocabulary in real medical situations, still require improvement, the overall effectiveness of the learning process is significantly enhanced.