A Needs Analysis Study for Esl Students at University Level in Sri Lanka

Abstract

This study examines the needs of English language learners concerning a compulsory English language program at a state university in Sri Lanka to look for solutions and amendments concerning the content and presenting materials of the current textbooks being practiced.In this regard, a needs analysis was carried out through a questionnaire survey on a random sample of 1 st and2 nd year students who follow the Core English Language (CEL) program conducted by the Department of English language Teaching at Sabaragamuwa University in Sri Lanka. The data were analyzed quantitatively. Data analysis revealed that explicit grammar teaching was seen negatively by a majority of respondents whose interests favor for speaking and listening activities related to real-life situations. Besides, it was revealed that the inductive teaching approach would be the best way to cater to the needs of ESL learners. The study concluded that authentic materials should be included in the content of textbooks used for the CEL program to attract and motivate students towards learning English.