Corpora as Tools for Self-Driven Learning: A Corpus-Based ESP Course

Can EFL students be profitably introduced to compilation of DIY corpora for various ESP domains even at the undergraduate level? How can they benefit from self-directed exploitation of language corpora at such an early stage? What language skills can a corpus-based ESP course enhance? This chapter discusses the advantages and limitations of a structured approach to pedagogical corpus consultation and corpora as self-directed learning tools as applied in an innovative corpus-based ESP course. A multifaceted enquiry of students' assessment and perception of the course - initial feedback, questionnaire, and focus group – was conducted. Results indicate that although students perceived corpus use as a complex activity, their attitude to the corpus approach was positive and they recognised the benefits of corpora as self-directed tools. Suggestions for further improvements of such practices are also discussed.