Needs analysis for specialized learner populations: Essential methodological improvements

This study surveys the design, methods and procedures reported in needs analyses (NAs) conducted for specialized English learner populations in varying contexts over the last thirty years (1984-2014). While NA practice has evolved and undoubtedly improved over time, our survey identified several remaining shortcomings and a lack of consistency in the sources, the methods and the interactions between sources and methods that researchers use to gather data and interpret findings, problems which decrease their reliability and validity. To illustrate how methodological rigor in NA practice and reporting can be achieved, we detail the methods and procedure followed in a large-scale task-based NA conducted for non-native English speakers working at a national research institution in the USA. Based on the current NA and the findings of our methodological survey, we provide a set of practical recommendations that are intended to be adaptable for local contexts and useful to language program administrators, curriculum designers and teachers responsible for the design of ESP courses and programs. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.