Abstract
The public's need to be able to speak English is growing. This is not apart from the use of English as an instrument of international communication relating to the whole aspect, so the ability to speak English becomes a basic skill. To improve ESP skills, students need more time to study. Learning methods using online media have become popular since the outbreak of COVID19. In many cases, online learning methods such as using the WhatsApp mobile app are not only able to facilitate the learning process, but can also increase student engagement in learning so that learning goals can be achieved. This study shows students have a positive perception of the use of WhatsApp discussion groups in ESP learning.
1. Introduction
Nowadays, the need to master English as the language used in international communication increases. the public's need for the ability to speak English as an internationally spoken language increases, especially students. This is due to the existence of English which is used not only to study British or US culture alone, but as a tool of international communication, which relates to entire aspects such as transport, banking, tourism, technology, scientific research, diplomacy, and politics.
Therefore, people from various fields of work as well as education, more need to study English more specifically, for more specific purposes anyway. In the world of education, more specific English is called ESP. (English for Specific Purpose). To enhance ESP capabilities, the resources used in the learning process should not be limited to books alone, but rather by using more flexible and effective media in learning activities.
The use of these more flexible communication media is necessary given the advances in communication and information technology that make it easier for people to interact and communicate even remotely, making remote communication tools, especially those using online media, a more dominant part of everyday life [34][29].
One of the mobile communications applications used in support of language learning especially ESP is WhatsApp Messenger [28]. In addition to offering ease and flexibility, the use of WhatsApp in the learning process began when interpersonal interaction was severely restricted by the Covid-19 pandemic. This was due to a pandemical condition when it greatly affected the preferences and thinking of the world's people about the implementation of online methods in learning [3]. In addition to making it easier for students and teachers, alternative use of online teaching media such as whatsapp when it helps the community so that teaching learning activities can still be done even in difficult conditions.
