An investigation into the contemporary English language needs of second year students of the Department of Computer Science at the Namibia University of Science and Technology
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Date
2021-03-03
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Namibia University of Science and Technology
Abstract
The contemporary English language demands for the information and technology (IT) industry are largely motivated by developments in modern digital communication technology. Modern computerised machinery with complex operational and installation manuals require high levels of literacy in all language skills as more and more machines are constantly being developed. It is for this reason that IT students need to be taught field specific English language courses that prepare them to perform well in their academic language related tasks and as future Computer Scientists. The purpose of this study therefore, was to investigate the contemporary English language needs for Computer Science students at NUST. The study determined the extent of the existing language needs and gaps. The material design model (Hutchinson & Waters, 1987) was applied as a framework for this study. The model assumes two aspects, the Target Situation Analysis (TSA) and the Present Situation Analysis (PSA). Target needs refer to what the learners need to do in the target situation for them to be able to learn. The Present Situation Analysis addresses students’ lack in language proficiencies. A mixed methods study design was applied. The quantitative method analysed data using the descriptive statistics method while the qualitative method analysed data through explanatory means. A total study population of 170 (ΣN = 170) was studied. The sample size was (ΣS = 118) derived using the convenience sampling method. The data were collected using three mixed methods research instruments. An essay competency performance evaluation scale and two questionnaires were employed. The study findings revealed that there is a need to develop the essay competency writing skills for IT students. The students lacked the knowledge of technical vocabulary, which ultimately weakened their scientific arguments. They need to be taught field specific language courses as a way to prepare them for their current academic and future occupational language needs. Furthermore, the study revealed that there is a gap between what is currently offered to Computer Science students and the tasks that they are expected to perform in the IT industry. The study recommends the assignment of trained English for Specific Purposes practitioners to teach English for Science and Technology courses. IT students can be taught with examples of texts related to their field of study. Lastly, the study recommends that Computer Science language lecturers should be encouraged to use science related academic language in the classroom.
Description
THESIS PRESENTED IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF ENGLISH AND APPLIED LINGUISTICS AT THE NAMIBIA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Keywords
Namibia, Thesis, needs analysis, target needs, English for Specific Purposes, ESP practitioner, language competencies, Computer Science
Citation
Gawazah, L. (2021). An investigation into the contemporary English language needs of second year students of the Department of Computer Science at the Namibia University of Science and Technology [Master's thesis: Namibia University of Science and Technology].