Investigating Needs of the Learners for a Blended Functional English Course: A Case Study of The Women University Multan

Abstract

The better understanding of language learning needs of the students can improve the programmatic facilitation of course content along with the improvement in students’ performance. The present study aims to ascertain the language learning needs of the students for the implementation of a blended Functional English course at undergraduate level in the context of the Women University Multan. This study utilizes mixed method approach to collect data for needs analysis. Survey and interviews were the major data collection tools for the current research investigation. Further, these tools were used to triangulate the data in order to get validation for the findings. The results showed that there are similarities as well as differences in the opinions of students and teachers regarding the knowledge and skills of reading and writing at the basic level. However, the findings showed that students need improvement in all the basic skills of reading and writing such as skimming, scanning, inference, vocabulary, sentence structures, and paragraph construction. The study also sheds light on the fact that training and access to technology both for the teachers and students are the two key factors for the successful implementation of blended courses in the context of the Women University Multan. Future research is recommended to employ quantitative needs analysis instruments; incorporate multiple case analysis; and incorporate other theoretical perspectives concerning second language learning.