Needs Analysis to Enhance English Language Proficiency at a Mexican University

Published

2020-07-01

Análisis de necesidades para mejorar el dominio del inglés en una universidad mexicana

Keywords:

English language, globalisation, higher education, labour market, needs analysis (en)
análisis de necesidades, enseñanza del inglés, globalización, lengua inglesa, educación superior, mercado laboral (es)

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Authors

Edgar Emmanuell Garcia-Ponce Departamento de Lenguas, Universidad de Guanajuato. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5414-3862

Abstract (en)
Abstract (es)

This study examines the perceptions of employers, university authorities, English teachers and students concerning needs to promote English achievement in a Mexican university. By drawing on data collected from focus groups and questionnaires, the evidence suggests that there are several needs which hinder the attainment of English objectives in this higher education context. To address this, the participants’ perceptions are reformulated into a set of recommendations which might be beneficial for this context and other higher education institutions which seek to develop English language competencies in university students. The relevance of this study is that it shows how needs analysis can be used in higher education as a tool to identify needs and formulate context-sensitive solutions for enhancing English achievement.

Este estudio explora las percepciones de cuatro grupos de actores sobre las necesidades para promover el rendimiento en inglés dentro de una universidad mexicana. Tras recolectar datos de grupos focales y cuestionarios, los resultados sugieren que existen varias necesidades que limitan el logro de los objetivos en el aprendizaje del inglés. Para atender estas necesidades, las percepciones de los participantes fueron reformuladas en una serie de recomendaciones que pudieran ser de beneficio para este contexto y otras universidades públicas interesadas en desarrollar el dominio del inglés en estudiantes de diferentes programas. La relevancia del presente estudio se debe a que muestra cómo el análisis de necesidades puede utilizarse en universidades con el fin de identificar carencias y formular soluciones para promover el rendimiento en inglés.

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References

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