Using needs analysis as a tool for ESP curriculum alignment
Date
2017
Authors
Alqarni, Hanan, author
Ali, Halo, author
Garrison, Pete, author
Pourdastmalchi, Ali, author
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Abstract
In spite of growing attention to the needs of post-secondary English language learners, many of these students continue to struggle with their university coursework. According to Hyland, (2002) gaps in school curricula may be one of the factors contributing to this phenomenon. To address this issue, scholars have suggested that course designers employ Needs Analysis to improve the alignment between curricula at the university level (Zohrabi, 2010). However, without a concrete example of how a needs analysis is conducted, many instructors may be reluctant to take on such a project. The purpose of this panel poster is to provide EAP instructors and course designers with a first-hand account of an actual needs analysis project, and to demonstrate how data from this project was used for curriculum alignment. In this poster, the panelists will begin by introducing the concept of needs analysis, and explaining its relevance to the EAP context. Next, the panelists will discuss how they applied this concept in order to determine the needs of a population of international students at a public university. Participants will learn specifically how data was collected and analyzed using Present Situation Analysis, Target Situation Analysis, and Discourse Analysis methods. They will also learn how the research findings were used to redesign the curriculum of a foundational EAP course, in order to better prepare students for future university coursework. Participants will be given an opportunity to ask questions to the panelists about their work. They will also receive handouts with information about designing, implementing, and applying the results of a needs analysis, with references to sources of additional information.
This poster will explore how needs analysis can be used to improve the alignment of post-secondary EAP curricula. The author will discuss her own needs analysis project, detailing her methods of data collection and analysis, and share how the findings were used to redesign the curriculum of an EAP course.
This poster will explore how needs analysis can be used to improve the alignment of post-secondary EAP curricula. The author will discuss her own needs analysis project, detailing her methods of data collection and analysis, and share how the findings were used to redesign the curriculum of an EAP course.
Description
Rights Access
Subject
English as a second language (ESL)
English for academic purposes (AEP)
English for specific purposes (ESP)