Investigating Writing Needs of Undergraduate
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2013-06
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The main objective of this research is investigating English writing needs of economics
students with reference to Samara University. In this study, an attempt was made to evaluate
whether the current writing course the students are taking meets their academic and
occupational needs. To this effect, data were collected through 5-point likert scale
questionnaire from students, subject area instructors and economics graduates and through
interview from English instructors, business faculty dean, bank manager and bureau of
finance and economic development head. Besides, data were gathered through evaluation of
course materials English instructors are using in offering writing course to the students.
In the analysis, writing activities the learners expected to perform in their academic studies
and in their occupation were identified and prioritized. Then, it was found that the writing
activities are important in learners’ academic and occupational settings. On the other hand,
it was identified that the students have positive attitude towards taking the current English
writing course and prefer specific writing course that is relevant to business particularly to
economics. However, the findings revealed that the students face almost high or some
difficulties in performing the writing activities. As a result, it was pointed out that there is
clear gap between the students’ writing needs and their writing competence. What is more,
it was discovered that the gap appeared between the students’ writing needs and their
writing competence is due to the students lack the expected writing abilities to carry out the
writing activities. This is because the current writing course the students are being offered
does not equip them with specific writing abilities. Thus, it was found that the writing
course, Basic Writing Skills Course, is not adequately meeting their academic and
occupational needs.
Based on the findings, it was recommended that syllabus designers should prepare specific
writing course for economics students considering their academic and occupational needs,
which were identified in this study. In addition, Samara University curriculum revisers and
English instructors should evaluate the current writing course and make an adjustment in
which the students will be provided with specific writing course.
Description
Keywords
Economics Students