English for College Students in Taiwan: a Study of Perceptions of English Needs in a Medical Context

Abstract

Prior to 1993 in Taiwan, English was a required course for all college students. However, in 1993, the Ministry of Education eliminated the English requirement, basing its decision partly on criticisms that it did not meet the students needs. To compensate, some colleges are in the process of developing specific English courses, having either a content base or a skills focus. Unfortunately, these courses, too, have been developed without conducting a needs analysis. The purpose of this study was to describe the perception that medical college students and faculty have of the English language needs of the students. Respondents included 349 medical students and 20 faculty at Chung Shan Medical College in Taichung, Taiwan. Survey information included respondents opinions on (1) the importance of English language use in students studies and their future careers; (2) basic English skills needed in a freshman English course; and (3) suggestions for development of an English language curriculum. Results showed that English was perceived as important for students academic studies and their future work. Students wanted a basic English language course at the freshmen level, naming listening as the most important skill to improve. Students and faculty desired more than one year of English language study.