NEEDS OF UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS IN STUDYING ENGLISH FOR SPECIFIC PURPOSES FOR WORKING IN ASEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY (AEC)
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Abstract
This study investigated the language difficulties and needs in studying English language skills of students classified by three main areas of study: Health Sciences (HS), Sciences and Technology (ST), and Social Sciences (SS). It consisted of 369 undergraduate students selected by multi-stage sampling, and 12 students selected purposively for interview. The questionnaires (α = 0.97), and a semi-structured interview were implemented. The results revealed that English grammar was most difficulty while the difficulties of English speaking, listening, writing, vocabulary, and reading were moderate. The overall needs were ranked as most needs - listening skills as first priority, followed by speaking, vocabulary, reading and writing, and grammar. As analyzed by One-Way ANOVA and Multiple comparisons using the Scheffé Test, the difficulties in studying grammar, vocabulary and reading skills of ST students were responded significantly different at the 0.05 level. Needs was presented as most needs in studying overall English language skills. The results from the semi-structured interview apart from needs and difficulties informed that learning and improving English language skills through enjoyable activities focusing on using English in various situations is contributed to learning success for working in ASEAN Economic Community (AEC).
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References
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