Specialized Language Training for Adult Professional Learners: Strategy-Based Instruction in Public-Sector Education

Abstract Book of the 10th International Academic Conference on Teaching, Learning and Education

Year: 2026

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Specialized Language Training for Adult Professional Learners: Strategy-Based Instruction in Public-Sector Education

Michail Fountoulakis

ABSTRACT:

This paper examines the role of strategy-based instruction in specialized language training for adult professional learners in public-sector education. The study employs a qualitative, practice-based design grounded in the systematic discourse-informed pedagogical analysis
of 10 training units used in continuing education seminars for Greek public-sector employees. It analyzes how linguistic content, task design, sequencing, strategy prompts, guided practice, and trainer support are structured to address workplace communication demands. The analysis shows that strategy-based instruction is most effective when training materials are closely aligned with occupational communicative needs and when learning tasks are staged progressively from discourse awareness and controlled practice to scaffolded professional communication. It further demonstrates that explicit attention to role-specific terminology, discourse organization, and reflective strategy use promotes learner
engagement, strengthens self-regulation, and facilitates the transfer of learning to authentic professional contexts. The findings also highlight the trainer’s mediating role in adapting materials, providing focused feedback, and adjusting instructional support to learner and
institutional requirements. The paper concludes that specialized language training in adult professional education is strengthened when language instruction is integrated with strategic learning and workplace- oriented practice. Strategy-based instruction is therefore proposed as a robust framework for curriculum design in public-sector training environments.

Keywords: Curriculum Design; Discourse Awareness; Needs Analysis; Self-Regulation; Workplace Communication