Needs analysis of English skills for medical students with a view to AEC mobility : a case study of a University in Northeastern Thailand

Abstract

This study employed the theory of Needs Analysis to explore medical students' problems, needs, and wants in English skills with a view to AEC mobility by using mixed methods. The subjects included 162 externs during the academic year of 2014, 169 doctors, six administrators, and 11 foreign patients at four hospitals in northeastern Thailand. Questionnaires and semi-structured interviews were used as research tools. The Cronbarch alpha reliability coefficient of the questionnaires was .93. Research data was analyzed by descriptive statistics and content analysis. The findings revealed that the medical students and doctors had moderate to high levels of problems and needed overall English skills at high to the highest levels. All respondents considered that listening and speaking were the two skills most needed in line with the problems. English courses of all types were needed for the students. The research findings provide guidance for developing and designing English course content that is relevant to real situations and that promotes better attitudes and motivations in order for students to become more aware of the role of English in the medical field in an AEC context.;