needs analysis
2 articles filed under this keyword.
An Evaluation of the EFL Curriculum in Vocational Schools to Address the Gaps and Job Market Mismatches in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq
Payam Azeez Nawe, Jamal Ali Omar
This study evaluates the current English language curriculum taught in public vocational schools across the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. The research identifies deficiencies and gaps in the English curriculum and examines how well it meets students’ needs and modern labor market demands. Employing a mixed-methods approach, data were collected through three tools: a questionnaire for students and stakeholders (400 participants), a questionnaire for vocational English teachers (43 participants from 43 public vocational schools), and semi-structured interviews with seven English supervisors and policymakers from the Ministry of Education. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics using SPSS, whereas qualitative data were analyzed with thematic analysis to elucidate the perceptions of key stakeholders. The findings indicate several weaknesses in the curriculum’s content, structure, and practical application. Teachers, students, and policymakers all indicated that the current curriculum lacks sufficient alignment with students’ professional needs (particularly regarding speaking, listening, and writing skills, as well as the incorporation of technology) and job market demands. The study advocates for the urgent revision of the curriculum through a needs-based, negotiated syllabus that focuses on job-orientated language skills and practical communication. The findings support educational reform efforts and help vocational education in the KRI respond more effectively to evolving Kurdish market needs.
Volume 12 · Issue 1 · February 2025Need of ESP Courses for the students in the College of Nursing, Suleimani University
Shler MohammedAli Najmaddin
The students in the college of nursing have had a limited exposure to English language and now they are exposed to an intensive use of English as the medium of instruction. Therefore, they have considerable problems in the application of English language. This study is an attempt to investigate the needs of nursing students for an ESP course. The study was conducted with 40 first-year university students and 40 fourth-year students and ten teachers in the College of Nursing, Sulaimani University. A student questionnaire and a teacher interview were used to identify the nursing students’ and teachers’ perceptions about the nursing students’ English language needs and to ascertain if they need an ESP course. It can be supposed that regarding both the students’ and their teachers’ perceptions, ESP course is an immense requirement for the students to promote their knowledge in their subject field. They also suggested that the students need a course that concentrates more on improving their reading, speaking, and writing skills in their subject field. It can be concluded that a systemized ESP is a requisite for the students’ lack of English.