ESP Needs Analysis of Productive Skills: A Case Study of Engineering Students

Abstract

This study investigated the needs of English language writing and speaking proficiency skills from the learners’ perspective for effective professional communication of the engineering students from school of engineering, University of Management and Technology, Pakistan. Need analysis is an on-going process at every stage of language teaching and learning. The self-assessment by each student is considered as important as assessment by teachers. Very few studies conducted about the needs and language problems of the engineering students in Pakistan. This study used a close ended questionnaire of 20 items. It was developed to elicit the opinion of 100 engineering students. The analysis shows that the leaners predicted in need analysis that they would be required to use English language in professional settings including but not limited to official correspondence, face to face interactions, and field works during meetings and social interactions. The finding of this need analysis is a useful guide to the existing language class contents and the pedagogies to develop more effective English language and communication course for the engineering students.