Types Of Observation

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2.9.3. Observations Observation is another important method of data collection. There are two kinds of observations: participant observation and non-participant one. As Long (2005) states, the second one is used more in needs analysis projects than the first one. In both types of observation, the observer can directly study and examine what the participant does (Long, 2005). According to Richards (2001), the exact goal and aim of observation should be clear, and the observer should know what and how to observe. Dudley-Evans and St. John (1998) suggest that the observer should always explain the aim of observation to participants to gain trust. Dudley-Evans and St. John also suggest that although observation is mostly used for target situation analysis, it can be used for present situation analysis. One can employ observation both in non-English medium and English medium situations. Recording data of observation provides a documented picture of target demands (Hyland, 2006), and a useful bank of information (Jordan, 1997). 2.9.4. Self assessment Students can be asked to assess themselves. There are various ways of doing this: most involve forms of checklists and as a part of questionnaires. An important advantage of self assessment, as Jordan (1997) and Richards (2001) state, is that learners are involved and it helps them raise their awareness of language skill and abilities. On the other hand, it may result in impressionistic and imprecision information. According to Jordan (1997), although self assessment is sometimes used as a placement test, there is no doubt that more research is necessary in this area, and until then the results from self assessment questionnaires should be treated with more caution. Blue (as cited in Jor... ... middle of paper ... ...g. The results of general proficiency test showed that majority of students had low level of GEP. The study revealed several problems with teaching and also learning of ESP. Most of the participated suggested that ESAP courses should focus on ESP much more than GE. In addition, they asked material developers to revise the ESAP textbooks available. Give the above studies, one can understand that needs analysis studies do not have long history in Iran. The current studies mainly revealed that there is significant difference between the students’ perceptions and those of teachers, between students of different sexes, and even between graduate and undergraduate students regarding their present and target needs. In addition, as Atai (2002) points out, GEP level of learners are not satisfactory on entrance to ESP/EAP programs, and some remedial courses seems necessary.

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