Conclusion
This chapter has explored and discussed various points
relating to the main concepts of our research. In its three sections, it has
examined some key issues related to ESP, Needs Analysis and course design and
it has tackled definitions from various viewpoints. The chapter has attempted
to explain Needs Analysis and course design as well as their role in ESP
settings, precisely in business English. The chapter has also introduced the
theoretical framework of the study which is Dudley-Evans and St-Johns ` theory
of Needs Analysis within course design.
Chapter Two: Research Design and
Methodology
22
Research Design and Methodology
Introduction
This chapter presents the research design and methods of the
study. In our analysis, we have opted for the mixed method research which aims
to address complex research topics and give more understanding comparing to the
use of only one research method. Our study aims to investigate the design of
business English courses through «needs analysis» in the business
purpose institution INPED of Boumerdes and check whether needs analysis has
been taken into consideration by the course designers or not. The participants
are a sample of teachers and learners who have given fundamental insights for
our work. Both quantitative and qualitative methods are used in order to gather
the appropriate data and proper answers to achieve the aim of the study. The
former helps getting reliable numerical data and the latter provides valid
opinions about the phenomenon under investigation. As data collection tools, a
questionnaire has been distributed to a sample of learners at the INPED of
Boumerdes. In addition, a semi-structured interview has been made with some
teachers and a questionnaire has been administered to some others.
2.1 The Research Method
The mixed-methods research has been chosen in order to answer
the research questions asked is the introduction and confirm or refute the
formulated hypotheses. Creswell and Plano Clark (2007) define the Mixed Method
as a combination or association of both qualitative and quantitative forms. It
involves philosophical assumptions, the use of qualitative and quantitative
approach, and the mixing of both approaches in a study. Comparing with the use
of only one method (qualitative method or quantitative method), the
mixed-methods research addresses more complex research topics.
23
Research Design and Methodology
2.2 Participants and Sample of the Investigation
Sampling is a technique for data collection. It has different
types: `probability sample', `non-probability sample', `stratification sample',
etc (Baxter et al, 2006). Our research adopts the probability sample technique
which is beneficial for random selection as it creates a sample that is truly
representative of the population.
The data are collected in the year of 2018 in the English
department of the INPED. For this year, there are two hundred learners
(trainees) in the field of Business English for «evening classes». We
have dealt with thirty (30) of them to whom we have distributed the
questionnaires in order to help us know their views about the Business English
courses designed to them. In addition, we have worked with nine teachers (9).
We have handed out to six (6) of them questionnaires and have taken interview
with the three others.
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