Some Problems and Solutions of Teaching and Learning Medical Terminology

Abstract

Teaching English for Specific Purposes (ESP) courses can be a challenging task for English language teachers, whether they are teaching as a second or foreign language. One of the major difficulties faced by teachers and students of medicine is the teaching and learning of medical terminology. Medical terms, often derived from foreign languages such as Greek and Latin, can be complex and difficult to understand for students. The teachers face the challenge of conveying the meaning behind these terms, and students may feel intimidated by their length and complexity, making them difficult to pronounce, spell, and comprehend.This research paper delves into the difficulties faced by medical students in understanding medical terminology. It proposes several strategies to help students, such as breaking down terms into their component parts, removing prefixes and suffixes, and memorizing eponyms. The paper also suggests various teaching methods that could be effective in teaching medical terminology, including breaking down terms into smaller pieces, using the flipped classroom model, repetition, teaching L2 with the use of L1, and other collective methods.Ultimately, the goal of this research is to provide guidance and support to both teachers and students in the teaching and learning of medical terminology. By understanding the challenges and finding ways to overcome them, teachers and students can work together to ensure that medical students have a strong grasp of medical terminology, which is essential for success in their field.

Keywords: ESP, Medical Terminology, Word parts, Breaking down, Flipped Classroom, Practice

DOI: 10.7176/JLLL/96-06

Publication date: February 28^th 2023