NEEDS ANALYSIS AS THE CORNERSTONE OF AN ESP CLASS OF THE MERCHANT MARINE ACADEMY

Abstract

Needs analysis is a crucial element in designing effective English for Specific Purposes (ESP) courses, particularly for adult learners in professional or academic settings. This study explores the importance of needs analysis in an ESP course for Merchant Marine Academy students, focusing on their linguistic, professional, and personal goals in learning Maritime English. Given that English serves as a lingua franca in the maritime industry, proficiency in the language is essential for both academic success and career advancement. The study examines the current ESP teaching situation, highlighting the challenges posed by the mandated curriculum and course materials. While the designated textbook covers technical maritime terminology and professional communication, its difficulty level often exceeds students' proficiency, necessitating a more tailored approach to instruction. Needs analysis helps bridge this gap by identifying both objective needs—such as language tasks required in real-world maritime contexts—and subjective needs, including learners’ attitudes, expectations, and motivations. Findings suggest that incorporating learner input through surveys, interviews, and self-assessments leads to a more student-centered syllabus, increasing engagement and motivation. As adult learners with prior maritime experience, these students can actively contribute to shaping their curriculum, making learning more relevant and effective. Ultimately, this study underscores the role of needs analysis in enhancing ESP instruction and calls for future research on its impact on student performance in Maritime English.

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