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Dudley-Evans and St. John (1998, p. 4-5) has came up with the modified definition of ESP that
is altered according to their school of thoughts. There are 3 absolute characteristics of ESP which
are; (1) ESP is defined to meet the specific needs of the learner, (2) ESP makes use of the
underlying methodology and discipline it serves, and (3) ESP is centered on the language
(grammar, lexis, register), skills, discourse and genres appropriate to these activities.
On the other hand, there are four variable characteristics contended by Dudley-Evans and
St. John in which; (1) ESP may use, in specific teaching situations, a different methodology from
that of general English and (2) it is likely to be designed for adult learners, either at a tertiary
secondary school level where (3) ESP is generally designed for intermediate or advanced
students. (4) Lastly, most ESP courses assume some basic knowledge of the language system, but
Dudley-Evans and St. John’s did not confine ESP to any specific disciplines, instead it may be
Firstly, ESP was developed as a result of World War II whereby a specific English was needed
as the lingua franca between traders during the expansion of science, technology and commerce.
Secondly, the demand of language has turned English into a big business. However, since
General English is very elaborated, they need a very specific and cost-effective English courses
Triangulation approach is used to cross-check the data gathered to see whether they are tally or
not. As the name triangulation suggests, information or data is gathered by a method similar in
content using three sources to ensure the validity and reliability of the information. The three
resources in conducting needs analysis can be referred to the students, the teachers and the
domain experts.
4. Situation: You are required to conduct needs analysis of the writing problems
encountered by CELPAD international students enrolled in IIUM. Explain the
process of obtaining information (hint: consider sources). (3 marks)
Adopting the triangulation approach, the process of obtaining the information is not only
restricted to CELPAD international students in IIUM but also the instructors of the courses and
the administrative staffs. Hence, a set of questionnaires regarding the needs analysis of the
writing problems encountered by the students will be disseminated. Meanwhile the lecturers and
the administrative staff will go through a semi-structured interview where the questions prepared
“..to design an English curriculum that meets the needs of students, we also have to consider
needs of both educational institution and workplace that may hire them” (Choi, n.d, p.57)
The researcher asserts that there are more to needs analysis than to only analyze the target of the
study. For instance, in conducting needs analysis, one should also take into consideration the
current, potential and unrecognized needs of the students and also what may hinder their
progress namely the administration, resources, time and language proficiency. Hence, the
researcher suggests a triangulation approach in doing needs analysis for the sake of quality
learners, academicians, employers or teachers regarding their opinions on the subject matter.
Other than that, it is important to note from the article that items or questions used in the
instrument should yield the information of students’ lacks, wants and necessities and include
both open and closed questions. This is because closed questions might be more objectives or
restricted hence the students did not get much opportunity to express their thoughts as oppose to
open questions.
REFERENCES
Javid, C. Z. (2013). English for Specific Purposes : Its Definition , Characteristics , Scope and
Purpose, 112(1), 138–151.