The role of needs analysis in language program renewal process

Özet

\r\n Periodically evaluating and revising existing language programs is of great value for stakeholders in a language school as the ongoing program evaluation paves the way for developing curricula effectively. The present research study aims to investigate the context and program of an English preparatory school in Istanbul and to suggest new ways and rationale for making curricular decisions. The study used a needs assessment survey and interviews with a number of EFL learners at school. The results showed that the program proved sufficient for learners' language skills. Furthermore, language levels (e.g A1, A2, B1, B2) were found to have an important impact on the extent to which learners perceive their competence in skills. Learners responded positively in the questionnaire about materials, methods, and assessment but they criticized the inefficacy of teachers in the interviews. This study revealed that needs analysis plays an important role in making curricular decisions or renewing language programs. To this end, several suggestions to language teaching schools and curriculum designers are offered.\r\n