A study of the problems, wants and needs of undergraduate computer students learning English at the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce

Abstract

This study investigates the problems, wants and needs in learning and using English of the undergraduate computer students at the Faculty of Science, the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce in the academic year 1987 Questionnaires were administered to 178 computer students and interviews were also conducted with 13 computer instructors to obtain the information needed. The findings indicate, concerning the extent of problems and wants in using the four English skills, that students wanted speaking to be very greatly emphasized and the other three skills (listening, reading and writing) to be greatly stressed. The considered the worst skills of students. With regard to wants and expectations, students usually perferred the aural-oral skills (listening and/or speaking) whereas their instructors demanded skills and activities which were more likely to be relevant to the needs in the target situation. Among the three main disciplines (Life Sciences, Physical Sciences and Applied Linguistics), there are some clear distinctions: Life Science students had to use English in a somewhat wider range of activities than those in the other disciplines Applied Lingusitics students were considerably more proficient in English than those in the other disciplines. This study concludes with implications for development of several prospective English courses in response to the demands of each particular situation.