MARITIME ENGLISH IN FOCUS: A RATER-BASED EVALUATION OF ESP COURSEBOOK QUALITY

Authors

  • Yusi Rahmawati Universitas Negeri Semarang
  • Sri Wuli Fitriati Universitas Negeri Semarang
  • Widhiyanto Universitas Negeri Semarang
  • Sri Wahyuni Universitas Negeri Semarang

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31851/esteem.v8i2.18728

Keywords:

Coursebook, Document Analysis, ESP, Maritime English, Raters

Abstract

This study assesses the quality of a Maritime English coursebook used in a leading vocational maritime education program in Indonesia. The evaluation is based on expert opinions and criteria drawn from English for Specific Purposes (ESP) principles. A qualitative descriptive method was used, supported by document analysis. Data were collected from four expert raters using a 48-item Likert scale evaluation sheet. The analysis was done manually, focusing on item trends and using thematic categorization based on ESP indicators. The coursebook is considered relevant to maritime contexts, with strengths in vocabulary use and realistic tasks. However, it shows inconsistency in instructional design and does not fully align with learner-centered approaches expected in ESP materials. The findings are useful for maritime education, ESP material development, vocational curriculum design, and coursebook evaluation in applied linguistics, maritime training centers, and language education programs. This study also presents an expert-based evaluation framework for ESP coursebooks in maritime settings, addressing the lack of research using qualitative analysis based on expert judgment rather than student feedback.

References

Ahmmed, R. (2021). A framework for Maritime English language planning in Bangladeshi maritime education and training institutes. SN Social Sciences, 1(7), 168. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s43545-021-00188-5

Ahmmed, R., Sinha, B. S., Khan, R., & Islam, D. M. (2020). A needs analysis of maritime English language skills for Bangladeshi seafarers to work on-board ships. Marine Policy, 119, 104041. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpol.2020.104041

Alibakhshi, G., Nezakatgoo, B., & Bahremand, A. (2022). Assessing the task based language needs for students of marine engineering. International Journal of Training Research, 20(1), 58-72. https://doi.org/10.1080/14480220.2021.1965903

Anthony, L. (2018). Introducing english for specific purposes. Routledge.

Arslan, R. Ş., & Yıldız, A. (2020). An evaluation of esp coursebooks for vocational high schools. Journal of Language and Linguistic Studies, 16(2), 927–945.

Basturkmen, H. (2019). Developing courses in english for specific purposes. Palgrave Macmillan.

Boström, M. (2020). Mind the Gap! A quantitative comparison between ship-to-ship communication and intended communication protocol. Safety Science, 123, 104567. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssci.2019.104567

Chowdhury, M. N., Shafi, S., Arzaman, M., Farhan, A., Teoh, B. A., Kadhim, K. A., ... & Xuan, A. N. S. (2024). Navigating Human Factors in Maritime Safety: A Review of Risks and Improvements in Engine Rooms of Ocean-Going Vessels. International Journal of Safety & Security Engineering, 14(1). https://doi.org/10.18280/ijsse.140101

Darmawan, I. G. N., Suryadi, A., Budimansyah, D., & Susilo, S. (2024). Indonesian Education: Past, Present, and Future. Taylor & Francis.

Doyle, L., McCabe, C., Keogh, B., Brady, A., & McCann, M. (2020). An overview of the qualitative descriptive design within nursing research. Journal of research in nursing, 25(5), 443-455. https://doi.org/10.1177/1744987119880234

Fisher, D., & Frey, N. (2021). Better learning through structured teaching: A framework for the gradual release of responsibility. ASCD.

Fitriati, S. W., & Rata, E. (2020). Needs analysis in maritime english course design. Journal of Maritime Education, 6(1), 45–52.

Gabedava, G., & Hu, Y. (2025). Enhancing maritime safety through linguistic analysis: a case study of communication failures in maritime accidents. WMU Journal of Maritime Affairs, 1-15. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13437-025-00371-y

Hellystia, D., & Budiwaty, S. (2023). Communication skills-based need analysis on the teaching and learning of maritime english for vocational school. Journal of Language and Literature, 11(1), 14-31. http://dx.doi.org/10.35760/jll.2023.v11i1.6444

Herdawan, D., Nindita, K., & Setyoningrum, A. A. D. (2021). ESP: A needs analysis of maritime english at polimarin. English Education: Jurnal Tadris Bahasa Inggris, 14(2), 366-387. https://doi.org/10.24042/ee-jtbi.v14i2.9812

Hutchinson, T., & Waters, A. (1987). English for Specific Purposes: A Learning-Centred Approach. Cambridge University Press.

Irwansyah, R., & Nurjanah, S. (2022). Evaluating english textbooks for maritime vocational schools: a content analysis. Indonesian Journal of Applied Linguistics, 12(1), 13–24.

Johnson, M., & Majewska, D. (2022). Formal, Non-Formal, and Informal Learning: What Are They, and How Can We Research Them? Research Report. Cambridge University Press & Assessment.

Katuuk, N. N. C. (2025). Enhancing communication skills in maritime english: effective teaching strategies and key influencing factors. Pubmedia Jurnal Pendidikan Bahasa Inggris, 2(2). https://doi.org/10.47134/jpbi.v2i2.1196

Kim, H. (2019). Teacher evaluations of esp textbooks: a rater-based study. Asian ESP Journal, 15(3), 79–94.

Kusuma, R. A., & Hidayat, T. (2021). Evaluating the ESP materials for engineering students: a document analysis. ELT Journal, 75(2), 111–120.

Li, Q. (2021). Computational thinking and teacher education: An expert interview study. Human Behavior and Emerging Technologies, 3(2), 324-338. https://doi.org/10.1002/hbe2.224

Limbong, S. S. (2021). Perspective of Cadets towards Maritime English At Polytechnics Of Makassar Merchant Marine. ETERNAL (English, Teaching, Learning, and Research Journal), 7(2), 340-349. https://doi.org/10.24252/Eternal.V72.2021.A7

Odell, V., Molthan-Hill, P., Martin, S., & Sterling, S. (2020). Transformative education to address all sustainable development goals. Quality education, 905-916.

Mashartanto, A. A., Pranata, W., & Siska, S. Y. (2024). Development of learning media maritime english textbook for ratings forming. Journal of Languages and Language Teaching, 12(3), 1238-1252. https://doi.org/10.33394/jollt.v12i3.11337

Mikulicic, J. Z., Pavlinovic, M., & Trgo, B. (2023, December). Role of maritime English in managing a vessel. In Economic and Social Development (Book of Proceedings), 105th International Scientific Conference on Economic and Social Development (Vol. 227).

Mokhtari, M., & Maouche, S. (2023). Needs Analysis for ESP Teachers: Difficulties encountered by Maritime English Practitioners at the National Maritime High School (NMHS) of Bou-Ismail, Algeria. Algerian Scientific Journal Platform, 14(1), 274-296, https://asjp.cerist.dz/en/article/219186

Ng, E. M. W., Lee, M. K., & Yuen, A. H. K. (2023). Digital Literacy in ESP: Evaluating E-learning Materials. Journal of English for Academic Purposes, 61, 101199.

Ngo, N. (2021). Professional development experiences of english as a foreign language lecturers at a vietnamese university (doctoral dissertation, Open Access Te Herenga Waka-Victoria University of Wellington).

Pangestu, M., & Usman, H. (2025, April). Development of maritime english learning materials based on imo standards for navigational communications skills. In Proceedings of the International Conference on Social Science, Environment and Technology Development (pp. 129-138).

Rahmiani, N., Munir, F. S., Anastasia, I., Ratnah, R., Ajiza, M., Nurjanah, R. L., ... & Hasrul, H. (2024). Buku ajar english for specific purposes (ESP). PT. Sonpedia Publishing Indonesia.

Rakkus, H., & Darmawan, R. (2022). Authenticity in Maritime English Materials: Do Our Textbooks Reflect Real Communication at Sea? Maritime English Journal, 4(1), 22–35.

Richlin, L. (2023). Blueprint for learning: Constructing college courses to facilitate, assess, and document learning. Taylor & Francis.

Sari, I. P., & Dewi, R. A. (2023). English for Maritime Communication: Integrating IMO Standards in Teaching Practices. Journal of Maritime Pedagogy, 7(1), 90–102.

Simanjuntak, M. B., Rafli, Z., & Utami, S. R. (2024). Enhancing Global Maritime Education: A Qualitative Exploration of Post-Internship Perspectives and Preparedness among Cadets. Journal of Education and Learning (EduLearn), 18(4), 1134-1146. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ1442593

Smart, A., Sinclair, M., Benavot, A., Bernard, J., Chabbott, C., Russell, S. G., & Williams, J. (2020). Learning for uncertain futures: the role of textbooks, curriculum, and pedagogy. Background paper for the Futures of Education initiative. Commissioned by UNESCO. Zugriff am, 29, 2020.

Smelikova, V., & Penza, I. (2023). Implementation of the ISPS Code provisions in maritime English course for future navigators. Australian Journal of Maritime & Ocean Affairs, 15(3), 315-329. https://doi.org/10.1080/18366503.2022.2069073

Stanley, M. (2023). Qualitative descriptive: A very good place to start. In Qualitative research methodologies for occupational science and occupational therapy (pp. 52-67). Routledge.

Suherdi, D., Syafryadin, S., & Harahap, A. (2022). Evaluating ICT-based English Learning Materials: A Multi-Rater Approach. Indonesian Journal of Applied Linguistics, 12(3), 708–717.

Thominet, L. (2020). 11. Designing a team-based online technical communication course. Effective Teaching of Technical Communication, 209.

Vidhiasi, D. M., & Syihabuddin, S. (2022). Maritime english: teaching english for maritime sciences or teaching maritime sciences in english?. Saintara: Jurnal Ilmiah Ilmu-Ilmu Maritim, 6(1), 71-77. https://doi.org/10.52475/saintara.v6i1.152

Volkova, A. (2021). Making sense of simulators in teaching maritime English. Актуальнi питання гуманiтарних наук, 42, 34-39. https://doi.org/10.24919/2308-4863/42-3-6

Wahyuni, N. D., Kusni, M., & Safitri, R. (2021). Assessing the Alignment of Maritime English Textbooks with SMCP. Studies in English Language and Education, 8(2), 532–549.

Wibowo, A. H., Gupron, A. K., & Dewi, R. F. (2025). Integrating teaching factory method in esp maritime english: cadets' perceptions and implications for maritime training. Script Journal: Journal of Linguistics and English Teaching, 10(1), 46-67. https://doi.org/10.24903/sj.v10i1.1998

Wood, L. M., Sebar, B., & Vecchio, N. (2020). Application of rigour and credibility in qualitative document analysis: Lessons learnt from a case study. The qualitative report, 25(2), 456-470. https://doi.org/

46743/2160-3715/2020.4240

Yeh, Y. F., Chan, K. K. H., & Hsu, Y. S. (2021). Toward a framework that connects individual TPACK and collective TPACK: A systematic review of TPACK studies investigating teacher collaborative discourse in the learning by design process. Computers & education, 171, 104238. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2021.104238

Yulia, Y., Siregar, A. P., & Anggraeni, R. (2022). Designing ESP Materials for Vocational Learners: A Need-Based Approach. International Journal of Language Education, 6(3), 123–134.

Zhang, X., & Lin, J. (2021). Cultural Relevance in ESP Textbooks: A Case of Maritime English. English for Specific Purposes World, 59, 1–15.

Downloads

Published

2025-06-14