Investigating the English Language Needs of the Female Students at the Faculty of Computing and Information Technology at King Abdulaziz University in Saudi Arabia

Sahar Ali Fadel ,Hussam Rajab

doi:10.5539/elt.v10n6p69

Abstract

In the field of computer science, specific English language skills are needed to facilitate the students’ academic progress. Needs analysis is generally believed to be an important element in ESP/EAP context because it enables the practitioners and curriculum designers determine the learners’ needs in a particular academic context. In this regard, this paper, adopting a quantitative research design, reports on a survey conducted to investigate the English language needs of the female students studying in the Faculty of Computing and Information Technology (FCIT) at King Abdulaziz University (KAU). The study aims at identifying the students’ perceptions about the importance of the English language skills, the frequency of using those skills, their ability levels in performing such skills, and their preferences regarding the English language course. The participants in this study are 135 female undergraduates who are studying at the third, fourth, and fifth year at the FCIT, during the academic year 2013-2014. The study identifies the students’ English language necessities, lacks, wants, and their perceptions of the current English course. The paper concludes with several pedagogical implications which seek to improve the current course structure and contents so as to cater for the students’ academic English language needs.

Highlights

1.1 BackgroundToday, English has acquired the status of an international lingua franca
To assure the importance of the English language to the students, it is seen as important to know about the language used in the course books of the main subjects which they use in the Faculty of Computing and Information Technology (FCIT)
The current research tried to identify the FCIT students’ needs in terms of the importance and frequency of the English language skills as well sub-skills used in their major

Summary

Introduction

English has acquired the status of an international lingua franca. This increase in the use of English language worldwide has provoked many changes in educational institutions. The students are not merely expected to “know” English, but they need to accomplish specific academic tasks utilizing language skills in English. These changes and demands in the educational situation have led to the expansion of English for Academic Purposes (EAP) as a necessary discipline in higher education. Many universities today offer freshmen the opportunity to undertake EAP courses that are goal directed, and seek to facilitate their academic progress

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Conclusion