A Survey of Needs and Opinions on the English Instruction at the Undergraduate Level

Abstract

             This research aimed to: 1) assess stakeholders' needs for English language instruction in higher education, and 2) analyze stakeholders' perspectives on English language instruction in higher education. The samples comprised five groups: 80 current students from the Western Languages Program, 25 lecturers from the Western Languages Program, 30 graduates of the Western Languages Program, 100 Grade 12 students, and 30 organizations employing graduates in Chiang Rai Province. Data were gathered during the academic year 2023. The research instruments comprised a needs survey and an opinion survey about English language instruction in higher education, both of which were assessed for content validity by three experts. Data were examined utilizing the mean () and standard deviation (S.D.).
             The findings revealed that:
             1. The needs for English language instruction in higher education were high among current students, with Grade 12 students were the highest level of need. Graduates expressed a high level of needs, whereas employers emphasized the highest level of needs for English language skills and competencies
             2. The opinions for English language instruction in higher education among current students reported a high level, graduates reported the highest level, and lecturers expressed a high level of opinions.
             In conclusion, the findings indicate that all stakeholder groups demonstrated high to the highest levels of needs and opinions about English language instruction. This emphasizes the imperative to provide English teaching that concentrates on practical language implementation, varied abilities, and adaptability to job market requirements.