Exploring Industrial Engineering Students' Difficulties in Understanding English Technical Vocabulary: A Descriptive Qualitative Study

Abstract

Mastery of technical vocabulary plays an important role for Industrial Engineering students because it can help students understand academic literature and prepare for future careers.  However, many students still struggle to understand English technical terms. This study analyses the challenges encountered by the students, the factors underlying the challenges, and the strategies students used to master technical vocabulary. A descriptive qualitative approach was employed, involving ten Industrial Engineering students selected through purposive sampling. Data were obtained through semi-structured interviews and analysed using the interactive model proposed by Miles, Huberman, and Saldaña. The findings reveal that difficulties arise when students read journal articles, access reference books, and operate industry software written in English. Students frequently struggle not merely to translate unfamiliar terms, but also to link terms to their disciplinary concepts. These difficulties stem from limited general vocabulary, inconsistent learning habits, and insufficient exposure to technical terms during academic study. To cope, students engage in self-directed learning, draw on digital technology and artificial intelligence, and discuss unfamiliar terms with peers and lecturers. These findings highlight the need for more contextual instruction to strengthen the mastery of technical vocabulary.