PROBLEM-BASED ESP METHODS FOR TEACHING FUTURE AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLERS TO CONDUCT RADIO EXCHANGE IN NON-ROUTINE SITUATIONS

Oct 15, 2026

Problem-based methods were examined to improve how future air traffic controllers conduct radio exchange in non-routine situations. The study treated professional readiness as a combination of communicative, cognitive, and functional skills supported by motivation. Involving 67 bachelor students in “Aviation transport,” the research used tests, observations, and targeted questionnaires to assess approaches such as role-playing, simulation, problem-solving, and case studies. Results indicate effectiveness by increasing motivation to acquire Aviation English and supporting use of standard phraseology and plain English.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages6

Reading Time15 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

Theoretical framework

Research aim and methods

Findings and conclusion

PROBLEM-BASED ESP METHODS FOR TEACHING FUTURE AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLERS TO CONDUCT RADIO EXCHANGE IN NON-ROUTINE SITUATIONS Bogdana Bystrova (corresponding author), Liudmyla Nemlii, Nataliya Pazyura, Oksana Vasiukovych National Aviation University, Kyiv, Ukraine [danabystrova@gmail.com](danabystrova@gmail.com) The research aimed to study and experimentally verify the efficiency of the use of problem-based methods in teaching future air traffic controllers to conduct radio exchange in non-routine situations. The professional readiness to conduct radio exchange is viewed as a complex of professional skills and knowledge (communicative, cognitive and functional) enhanced by motivation. The study involved 67 university students of a bachelor’s degree programme majoring in “Aviation transport”. Tests, observations and specially designed questionnaires were used to evaluate the use of problem-based methods (role-playing, simulation of specific situations, problem-solving, case studies) in ESP study. The conclusion was made about the effectiveness of problem-based ESP methods since they simulate possible professional situations and promote communication between future air traffic controllers and pilots, thus contributing to the acquisition of professional knowledge and activation of use of standard phraseology of radio exchange and plain English in non-routine situations. As shown by the results of our study, problem-based ESP methods are effective in raising future air traffic controllers’motivation to acquire Aviation English as they bring the learning closer to professional life . Keywords: problem-based ESP methods; air traffic controllers; Aviation English; plain English; standard phraseology; radio exchange; non-routine situations; professional readiness. Introduction Researches assessing factors associated with accidents and incidents in aviation claim that over twothird of accidents are attributed to the human factor (Shappell, 2017) . Among other problems identified in accident investigations such as inadequate leadership, inappropriate distribution of tasks, poor workload management etc., the problem of ineffective communication between crew members is considered one of the most serious, as air traffic controller–pilot communication takes place in a constrained but dynamic environment. It is usually highly scripted, brief, routine and, in most cases, unfolded as expected. In order to increase flight safety International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) (International Civil Aviation Organization, 2004) initiated implementation of new language proficiency requirements for air traffic controllers and pilots of non-English speaking countries which was followed by a number of theoretical and practical measures to improve Aviation English teaching process. Since the success of teaching ESP largely depends on appropriately chosen methods (Whyte & Sarré, 2017), the objective of our study is to experimentally verify the efficiency of use of problem-based methods in the process of teaching future air traffic controllers to conduct radio exchange in non-routine situations. Theoretical framework Nowadays the development of aviation industry in Ukraine is directed towards its integration to international aviation network, training of competitive airmen at aviation educational institutions. Among others, there are important skills and knowledge necessary for competitive aviation specialists such as oral and written communicative skills, analytical thinking, problem-solving, decision-making, teamwork skills (Pazyura, 2016) . Because air traffic controller–pilot communication is high-stakes interaction, miscommunication must be avoided so as to minimise the probability of an incident or accident occurring (Estival, 2016) . Achievement of this goal, as seen by many scholars, is impossible without studying and applying new pedagogical approaches, teaching and learning methods for professional training of future aviation

FAQs

What was the purpose of the study?

To experimentally verify the efficiency of problem-based methods for teaching future air traffic controllers to conduct radio exchange in non-routine situations.

How was professional readiness to radio exchange conceptualized?

As a complex of professional skills and knowledge (communicative, cognitive, and functional) enhanced by motivation.

Which instructional techniques were used to evaluate problem-based ESP methods?

Role-playing, simulation of specific situations, problem-solving, and case studies were used within the ESP study and assessed via tests, observations, and questionnaires.

Oct 15, 2026

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