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College Students’ Attitudes Towards English: Necessity, Skills Improvement, and Course Preferences

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This study aims to explore the attitudes and needs of 404 first-year college students from different majors regarding English language learning at a four-year university in Gyeonggi Province. The purpose was to assess students’ perceptions of the importance of English for their academic studies and future careers, identify which language skills they prioritize for improvement, and determine their preferences for different types of English courses. To achieve this, a comprehensive questionnaire was developed, consisting of five sections that gathered information on participants’ backgrounds, current English learning experiences, perceived needs, and course preferences. The quantitative data from the questionnaire responses were statistically analyzed using SPSS software (Version 18) and Google Form analysis tools. Additionally, qualitative data, focusing on students’ suggestions for improving English proficiency, were analyzed using word cloud and Voyant Tools. The findings revealed that while students recognize the importance of English for academic purposes, they place greater emphasis on its value for career advancement. Reading and test preparation skills were identified as top priorities in regard to language skills, with practical, real-world course content being highly favored. The study underscores the need for curriculum designers to integrate career-oriented and engaging materials into English courses to better align with students’ needs.

Abstract

This study aims to explore the attitudes and needs of 404 first-year college students from different majors regarding English language learning at a four-year university in Gyeonggi Province. The purpose was to assess students’ perceptions of the importance of English for their academic studies and future careers, identify which language skills they prioritize for improvement, and determine their preferences for different types of English courses. To achieve this, a comprehensive questionnaire was developed, consisting of five sections that gathered information on participants’ backgrounds, current English learning experiences, perceived needs, and course preferences. The quantitative data from the questionnaire responses were statistically analyzed using SPSS software (Version 18) and Google Form analysis tools. Additionally, qualitative data, focusing on students’ suggestions for improving English proficiency, were analyzed using word cloud and Voyant Tools. The findings revealed that while students recognize the importance of English for academic purposes, they place greater emphasis on its value for career advancement. Reading and test preparation skills were identified as top priorities in regard to language skills, with practical, real-world course content being highly favored. The study underscores the need for curriculum designers to integrate career-oriented and engaging materials into English courses to better align with students’ needs.

참고문헌 (51)

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