A needs analysis case regarding the use of English of Farming Engineering Students of the School of Agronomic Sciences of the National University of Córdoba, Argentina

Abstract

This study presents a needs analysis (NA) carried out at the School of Farming Engineering (FCA) of the National University of Córdoba (UNC) to identify the present and future needs of the students of the FCA in terms of the use of English required during their university years and after graduation in their professional context in order to redesign an ESP course. To obtain this information, questionnaires were administered to 203 students and 90 teachers, among which there were subject matter (SM) teachers and ESP practitioners. Eleven interviews were also conducted with authorities of the FCA, disciplinary subject teachers, ESP practitioners, one graduate as well as with Farming Engineers working in a multinational company of the agribusiness sector and in a research and extension governmental agency. Also, a means analysis was carried out to supplement the information gathered. The results showed that there was an almost unanimous agreement that reading was the most important skill for undergraduates and graduates in this context. However, there were some differences in perception between students and teachers, especially regarding the importance given to the other skills during the programme of studies and in the sub-skills more frequently used by students in academic life. In contrast, teachers and students mostly agreed on the sub-skills that graduates of the FCA must develop to perform well at the workplace. Based on the results of the NA and the means analysis, the redesign of the existing ESP course is recommended together with the creation of an extra-curricular course to further develop reading skills.