Seoul KOTESOL Chapter August Workshop - Needs Analysis in the Language Classroom: Contrasting Present Situation Needs with Target Situation Needs

Topic: "Needs Analysis in the Language Classroom: Contrasting Present Situation Needs with Target Situation Needs"

Prof. Sherro Lee Arellano-Lagrimas

Abstract

The importance of having a learner-centered curricula has become one of the major issues in  language teaching and learning. Language teaching has become more learner-centered, which  means that the curriculum is designed based on learner skills, preferences, and assumptions  of their language proficiency. In fact, Hutchinson and Waters (1993) state that learners’ needs  should be considered in planning any language program. Moreover, Johns (1994), says that  “language teaching must be designed for the specific learning and language purposes of identified groups of students.” The key responsibility of language program developers, therefore, is to help learners of English develop the kind of proficiency they need to achieve their personal, professional, and academic purposes. In order to do this, language program developers must have a thorough understanding of the students’ learning needs. This lecture-workshop is designed to an overview of needs analysis including its different types and importance in the language classroom. In particular, it aims to point out the differences between Present Situation Needs (PSN) and Target Situation Needs (TSN) and how the identification of both is imperative in the preparation of classroom lessons. The workshop will require the participants to reexamine their own teaching and learning context and develop a needs analysis plan based on the students and subjects that have identified.

Bio

Prof. Sherro Lee Arellano-Lagrimas has her eyes set on being an English language cognoscenti. Her passion for learning the about the English language and the intricacies of English language teaching has led her to pursue Master of Arts degrees in TESOL and in English Language Education. She also has a Post-Graduate diploma in TESOL from the SEAMEO Regional Language Center in Singapore. She has written several modules for English Communication Skills Development Program for Teachers and for the Legal Enhancement Training for the Department of Agrarian Reform , Philippines and PASAR Technical Writing Course for PASAR in Lide, Leyte also in the Philippines. She was proponent, lecturer, and program head and module developer of the Employment Communication Skills Training in Silliman University, Philippines since 2001. She has edited and advised school publications; designed and conducted review programs for IELTS, TOEFL, and TOEIC and the Public School Teachers Board Examination (now Licensure Examination for Teachers). She has penchant for events organizing and presentations and has organized various events and programs. She has taught Basic Communication and Professional Education courses and has experienced teaching students from different counties like Korea, Japan, Iran, China, Greece, among others. She is currently an Assistant Professor at Gyeongju University, Gyeongju, South Korea