Innovative Curriculum Design for Applied English Courses in Physical Education Programs: A Project-Based Approach in the Era of Society 5.0

This research explores a curriculum innovation in Applied English designed for undergraduate students in the Department of Physical Education and Health at Universitas Negeri Gorontalo, Indonesia. The conventional grammar-based approach was restructured into an English for Specific Purposes (ESP) model that incorporates project-based learning (PBL), authentic materials, and soft skills integration. Using a qualitative case study method, data were obtained through syllabus analysis, classroom observations, student-produced video projects, and semi-structured interviews with both students and instructors. Findings show notable improvement in students’ oral communication, especially in mastering sports-related vocabulary for refereeing, jury duties, and coaching. In addition, the curriculum strengthened critical soft skills such as critical thinking, collaboration, creativity, and communication. The relevance of the course content to students’ prospective professions also increased engagement and motivation. Instructors observed a more dynamic classroom atmosphere and greater language retention. Overall, this study contributes to ESP by proposing an interdisciplinary curriculum model that links language instruction with vocational identity and the demands of Society 5.0. The results hold important pedagogical implications for curriculum developers, ESP practitioners, and higher education institutions seeking to enhance employability and domain-specific communication skills among non-English majors.