The Needs Analysis of English Preparatory School Instructors Towards Professional Skills in Higher Education

Abstract

Many factors affect providing high-quality English education and rendering it sustainable. One of these factors is undoubtedly ensuring the professional development of the English language instructors. An important way to guarantee professional development is through needs analysis. Needs analysis is of utmost significance in determining the professional skills that English preparatory instructors require to develop and taking the necessary steps. In this regard, the aim of the study is to determine the professional skills that these instructors need to develop in higher education. Qualitative research method was used in the research to unearth the opinions, thoughts, views and feelings of instructors on professional skills to be improved. Since the research covered only one unit of a higher education institution, a holistic single case design was preferred. Participants included English preparatory school instructors, administrators, students, and senior members of the Faculty of Education. Convenience and criterion sampling techniques were used in the selection of the participants. In the study in which interview technique was used, an interview form was implemented in order to ascertain the professional skills. The data collection process was carried out over the course of eight weeks. Descriptive analysis and content analysis techniques were used in data analysis. While the opinions of the English preparatory school stakeholders were shared via verbatim quotation technique during the descriptive analysis process, the professional skills that English preparatory instructors require to improve were determined via the content analysis of the participants’ relevant opinions. As a result of the research, professional skills that these instructors need to enhance were identified.