English Language Needs Analysis of Fine Art Students at Mekelle College of Teacher Education
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Date
2008-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to identify the English language needs of the fine art students at
Mekelle College of Teacher Education (MCTE). To this effect, 120 students, 4 English teachers,
6 subject area teachers, and 3 college deans were data sources for the study. The students,
English teachers, subject-area teachers and college deans were selected using available sampling.
The data were collected using a 5-Point Likert Scale questionnaire, interview, focus - group
discussion, and text material analysis.
Descriptive statistics and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were employed in analyzing the
quantitative data, and qualitative description of responses or events was used to analyze the
qualitative data. The ANOVA test, despite showing similarity of values given by all groups
together to the importance of English for students’ academic studies, future profession, and
private life, proved a significant difference in the respondents’ values attached to the competence
of the students in the three areas. English for academic studies, thus, found to be the domain in
which students’ competence is the lowest of the three. This implies that the students need
English for Academic Purposes (EAP) more than English for Occupational Purposes (EOP).
Even with in English for academic, respondents altogether rated the skill of speaking, writing,
listening, and reading, from the most important to the least important one. The ANOVA test also
revealed the existence of significant difference in the importance among the skills.
The qualitative data analysis also made clear that students’ low motivation, low confidence, poor
background, shortage of instructional aids, lecture dominated class room teaching and in
adequacy of the material to meet students’ needs were the most serious problems.
Based on the implications of these findings, the researcher recommends that syllabus designers
should consider the sub-skills under the academic studies in designing the English course
material for fine art students.
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Art Students