EAP NEED ANALYSIS FOR LECTURERS: THE CASE OF A STATE ISLAMIC UNIVERSITY IN PADANG, INDONESIA

Abstract

Purpose of the study: The research aims to identify the need and level of English Academic Proficiency (EAP) of lecturers in Padang, Indonesia, in using English. Methodology: From a total of 365 lecturers in the entire six faculties at UIN Imam Bonjol Padang, Indonesia, 92 lecturers were selected randomly as respondents for this research. To collect data, a questionnaire was used to gather the lecturers’ perception of the need for EAP programs, which is related to their ability in four language skills (listening, reading, speaking, and writing) and on the EAP test. Main Findings: A majority of lecturers needed an EAP course to improve their professionalism and competences. They preferred speaking and writing for future careers or activities such as writing English books, journals, and reports, participating in international events, becoming credible academic staff, developing teaching profession, and other individual competences to improve their professionalism. This study found a majority of their ability in EAP was in the levels of elementary and intermediate. Applications of this study: This study suggests that if Indonesia expects its policy of teaching profession reform to be successful, intensive and consistent lecturers’ development and programs must be well-organized, and sufficient resources must be allocated so that all faculty members, especially those under the Ministry of Religious Affairs, can meet the objectives. Novelty/Originality of this study: No specific reports on EAP need analysis for lecturers in Indonesia are found. The current need to design an EAP program need-based analysis assessment would help instructors to communicate their research in both written and oral English successfully. This program should aid academics to report on their research not only in written form but also in spoken language.