Barriers to developing effective ESP teaching materials at Gorontalo State University

Identifying the reasons behind the unsuccessful development of English for specific purposes (ESP) teaching materials in Indonesian state universities is crucial to enhancing educational quality and better preparing students for professional demands. This study aims to systematically map the key factors contributing to these failures. Employing a qualitative descriptive approach, the study identifies four primary areas affecting the development of ESP teaching materials. The first area – material availability – encompasses essential resources such as syllabi, semester lesson plans (RPS) and instructional content. Second, lecturer aspects involve the preparedness and capability of ESP instructors in designing and delivering relevant content. Third, structural factors include institutional support for lecturers during the material development process. Finally, infrastructural elements relate to facilities and access to necessary resources. This study advocates for further comprehensive research to optimize the development of ESP teaching materials and ensure alignment with students’ academic goals and the competencies required in their respective professional fields.