The importance of a Learning- Centered Approach in Designing Effective Courses for Computer Science The Case of Second Year Computer Science Learners at University of Ghardaia

Abstract

ESP is considered as a branch that deals with immediate and precise needs of adult learners. Teaching adult people is not the same as teaching children. ESP course design is an important element for an effective teaching. To design an ESP course that provides learners with what they need, a learning- centered approach is recommended. This inquiry is based on designing a course for Computer Science learners on the basis of a learning-centered approach to course design. The aim is to assess the course designed to examine the extent to which it complies with learners’ needs. Results are obtained from a questionnaire administered to the learners after the implementation of the course to see the importance of a learning- centered approach in designing an effective course. The conclusion drawn is that: -Designing courses on the basis of the approach stated above complies with learners needs. -This approach is important in designing courses for ESP learners.