Identifying the Target Needs of Preparatory Classes for UndergraduatePrograms in Foreign Languages: A Case Study of the Engineering Departments

Abstract

The aim of this study is to identify the target needs of preparatory classes for undergraduate programs which teach in foreign languages, in English. The differences between the target needs and the current level of the students constitute the subject of this study. The discrepancy model has been used as the need identification approach. In the discrepancy model, firstly the needs are identified, and then the deficiencies and current level are found. The study was formed in the qualitative research model and nineteen lecturers were included in the study to identify the needs of the study group. At the deficiencies and current level identification stage, the study group consisted of twenty three engineering students who has passed the preparatory class and are having the field courses. Furthermore, thirty two preparatory lecturers were also included in the study group to ascertain the current level. A structured interview form and a questionnaire were used as data collection tools. Data collected through interviews was analyzed with the content analysis method. Mean and standard deviation values were calculated in the analysis of the collected data. According to the study results, the students are equipped with general English skills in preparatory classes. It was also found that the students were given general English classes throughout the year, they focused on grammar and that students were provided with general speaking and writing skills for general subjects at a basic level. However, according to the views of students and lecturers who teaches in field courses, the gainings of preparatory English classes are not sufficient for the field courses. Students and lecturers are of the opinion that problems arise in the understanding and presentation of technical texts in English.