Abstract
The aim of this article is to introduce different ways of researching learners’ needs and discuss the results of the research, conducted among Ukrainian ESP university teachers, to emphasise the need for universities to develop and implement a Continuing Professional Development policy for teachers of English. The qualitative method (questionnaire) was used to interview sixty teachers of ESP from Ukrainian universities to identify their awareness of the importance of learners’ needs analysis and various ways of its research. The results of this research show that the majority of teachers from Ukrainian universities are aware of the importance of learners’ needs analysis in an ESP class. Ukrainian teachers consider introspection, workplace tours, the Internet, textbooks and training courses to be the most meaningful learners’ needs. However, all surveyed teachers get information about their students’ needs by interviewing them. There is a huge reliance on teachers’ experience. The results of the survey have also shown that the majority of respondents discuss with subject teachers and students the topics, terminology, materials for ESP curriculum. This research has lead to the conclusion that the usage of different ways and multiple sources will increase the quality of gathered information about learners’ needs.
Highlights
Influenced by globalisation, English for Specific Purposes (ESP) has become a key player in English language teaching
The results of the study show that: for 63% of ESP university teachers students’ needs are important; for 37% they are somewhat important; 100% of surveyed teachers get information about their students’ needs by interviewing them; 74% of respondents from time to time consult with subject teachers; 13% often consult and the same number – 13% never consult with subject teachers as for the topics, terminology, materials for teaching their specialism; the same proportion was received as the answer for the fourth question concerning students: 74% of respondents from time to time consult with students about topics, terms etc. to study; 13% often and 13% never do that
The task for the sixth question was to look through the list of the ways of researching learners’ needs and decide how useful they might be for university teachers who teach ESP
Summary
Influenced by globalisation, ESP has become a key player in English language teaching. It has only recently gained its importance in Ukraine as students are prepared for their future work in different spheres: law, engineering, medicine, technology, chemistry, physics, economy, management, logistics, finance, biology etc. Nowadays more and more Ukrainian universities introduce double diploma courses. There are more opportunities for Ukrainian students to study abroad. Students’ needs are the core for ESP course desighn. Many educators around the world consider learners’ needs analysis to be a valuable tool and think that it can be used to link the students’ present academic learning with their future professional needs
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