Needs Analysis of Engineering Students’ English Needs at the University of Tabuk

Abstract

This study aimed to identify the English language needs of the engineering students at University of Tabuk in the academic year 2013/2014 in Saudi Arabia. More specifically, it attempted to address the following question:What are the English language needs of the engineering students at University of Tabuk in Saudi Arabia?The sample of the study consisted of one hundred and fifty four students, twelve teachers from the University of Tabuk. A questionnaire was developed by the researcher and addressed to the students and teachers. The findings of the study revealed that there are some real special English language needs and interests of students in engineering faculty at the University of Tabuk. These needs motivate students to learn and build their self –confidence towards the learning process.It is recommended that curriculum designers make use of the resulting identifying these needs and to conduct similar studies for other specializations in Saudi Arabia and further afield.

Keywords: ESP: English for specific purposes, Communicative Needs Processor, needs analysis