Using a SPOCs-Based Training Program to Develop ESP Instructors’ Language Skills and Self

ABSTRACT
This study aimed at developing English for Specific Purposes (ESP) instructors’ reading and writing skills and their self-regulation through using a Small Private Online Courses SPOCs-based training program. To fulfill this purpose, some instruments were constructed, a pre-post reading skills test, a pre-post writing skills test with a writing rubric and a self-regulation scale were constructed by the researcher. The participants of the study were 32 ESP instructors selected from 17 different schools, academies, and universities from eight different countries. The study adopted the quasi-experimental design using two groups: the experimental group was taught through the proposed SPOCS-based training program while the control group studied through the regular instructional method. Results of the study revealed that the experimental group of the ESP instructors’ reading and writing skills and their self-regulation were significantly developed and they outperformed their control group counterparts of the control group in the target skills and self-regulation. It was recommended that the SPOCs-based training program should be used in teaching to develop reading and writing skills and other language skills. In addition, ESP instructors should be provided with reading and writing courses in which SPOCs-based training program is employed.
Key words:  Reading Skills, Writing Skills, Self-regulation, Small Private On-line courses, Training programs, English for Specific Purposes