Teaching Languages to Future Health Professionals: A Needs Assessment Study

Authors: Lepetit, Daniel¹; Cichocki, Wladyslaw²

Source: The Modern Language Journal, Volume 86, Number 3, September 2002 , pp. 384-396(13)

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Abstract:

This article presents the results of a needs assessment study carried out with university students who were preparing to work as health professionals. Questionnaire data gauged the students' expectations for language courses intended specifically for their areas of specialization. Analysis follows a multidimensional approach and examines profiles of the student body, student aspirations, and course contents. The results reveal a number of distinct patterns, which are discussed in comparison with current trends and practice in second language acquisition. They constitute a potential and valuable source of information for designing curricula for health professionals based on learners' needs.

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/1540-4781.00156

Affiliations: 1: Clemson University, 2: University of New Brunswick

Publication date: 2002-09-01