The needs analysis of science and engineering students’ language learning program: A mixed-methods approach
The needs analysis of science and engineering students’ language learning program: A mixed-methods approach

Summary/Abstract: In various fields of engineering sciences, Sharif University of Technology (SUT) occupies the highest rank among other technical universities in Iran based on the ranking of Islamic World Science Citation Center(ISC) in 2013. Hence, it is the host of the majority of exceptionally talented engineering students in Iran.Taking this into account, SUT students are expected to perform considerably well in their future academic and vocational careers. The primary aim of this investigation is to shed light on a more appropriate course syllabus customized to the needs of these gifted students. A triangulation approach to data collection was employed to validate the outcomes of the study. A five-point Likert scale questionnaire was validated and administered to 607 under-graduate students. Moreover, semi-structured interviews with 20 undergraduate students and 6 graduate and postgraduate students were conducted. The results of the triangulation method revealed that reading and writing are the most useful language skills perceived by all different lines of inquiry. In addition, the participants believed that the ability to use English for searching on the Internet, along with writing scientific essays are the most advantageous educational skills. The results of the study can be of considerable significance for curriculum developers, course designers and language instructors in order to furnish their students with the English courses developed based on the actual needs of the students.

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