ENHANCING PROFESSIONAL LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY: AN EMPIRICAL STUDY ON THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE CASE STUDY METHOD IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE TEACHING FOR SPECIFIC PURPOSES

Abstract

This article presents an empirical investigation into the effectiveness of the case study method in teaching foreign languages for professional purposes. Addressing a critical gap in pedagogical research, this study evaluates how the integration of real-world scenarios and problem-solving through case studies impacts language acquisition, professional communication skills, and critical thinking among advanced learners. A quasi-experimental design was employed, involving 120 university students specializing in international business, divided into experimental and control groups. The experimental group engaged with case studies tailored to business contexts, while the control group followed traditional task-based learning. Pre- and post-intervention assessments measured improvements in professional vocabulary, discourse competence, and analytical skills. Results indicate a statistically significant improvement in the experimental group across all measured parameters, particularly in their ability to articulate complex professional ideas and engage in nuanced cross-cultural communication. The findings underscore the case study method's potential as a highly effective pedagogical tool for developing job-specific language proficiency and fostering practical application of linguistic knowledge in professional settings. This research contributes to the growing body of literature advocating for more immersive and context-rich approaches in foreign language education for specific purposes