The general methodology employed in the present study falls within what Stake (1995) calls the case study research strategy. Implicit within the case study methodology is the desire to understand human behaviors, actions, relationships, and/or attitudes. Two specific groups of ESP stakeholders in Kuwait were therefore incorporated into the empirical portion of the present study. It is clear that both ESP teachers and ESP students at the target institution have a vested interest in achieving positive outcomes from an ESP program. Consequently, in order to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the ESP program now in use at the PAAET, a case study incorporating these two groups of key stakeholders was undertaken.
A combination of qualitative and quantitative research was facilitated in the present study. Kelliny (1994) differentiates between qualitative and quantitative research with respect to the inclusion in the latter of objective and scientific realities that can be studied using empirical research methodologies. Including more than one research approach within the general confines of a case study is seen by many as a vital strategy capable of enhancing the efficacy of a research study. The methods selected include the use of a convenience sample of PAAET ESP teachers and of students in ESP programs as well. In addition to the use of survey questionnaires to obtain data, selected interviews were conducted to obtain further input regarding the attitudes of subjects toward ESP.
Finally, to more narrowly define the topic, an examination of the Medical Records employersÆ duties that necessitate English language proficiency was undertaken. Questionnaires were designed for the English staff at the CHS, the Medical Records graduates, and their employers. This multifaceted research design made it possible to move from the general to the specific and to examine the efficacy of PAAET ESP programming ...