The development of an English Learning Package for Business Administration Students Using a Needs Analysis Approach at Nan College, Uttaradit Rajabhat University

Abstract

          The objective of this research were 1) to study the needs of English for communication for students of the business administration at Nan College, Uttaradit Rajabhat University in working at 7- Eleven convenience stores 2) to design an English learning package aligning with the specific needs of the students and 3) to evaluate the effectiveness of the English learning package. The population of this research was 255 students in Nan College, Uttaradit Rajabhat University. The sample for the need questionnaire consisted of 115 students in the business administration program at Nan College, Uttaradit Rajabhat University and 50 people were selected from the first group for effectiveness test. The research tools were 1) the questionnaire on the English language learning package requirements, 2) an English learning package, 3) pre-test and post-test assessments and 4) the questionnaire for satisfaction assessment with the English learning package. Descriptive statistical methods were used in analyzing data: percentage, mean, standard deviation, and t-test.

           The research findings indicated that the sample group has the highest need for skill development in listening and speaking proficiency at their work. Therefore, the design of the learning program for developing students' skills included the following contents: 1) greetings and welcoming, 2) introducing products/pricing and promotions, 3) saying goodbye and inviting customers back for future services, 4) providing and requesting customer assistance, 5) expressing gratitude, 6) apologizing, 7) handling product payments, 8) stating dates and times, and 9) describing product locations. The effectiveness evaluation of the English language learning package showed that it was more effective than the established criteria.