The English Language Needs of Applied Medical Sciences Students in a Saudi Arabian College- A Needs Analysis Study

Abstract

In Saudi Arabia, many students are currently enrolled in undergraduate programs in Applied Medical Sciences studies, and these programs require students to complete written assignments in English, which they struggle with. Information about students' English language writing needs in these programs has been limited. This study adopted a genre-based approach to needs analysis to investigate students' English writing needs and challenges in three Medical Sciences disciplines– Anaesthesia Technology, Neuroscience Technology, and Respiratory Care. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with Applied Medical Sciences faculty members (N=7) and students (N=17). The study found that the students needed to write five genres - patient documentation reports, posters, essays, graduation projects, and case studies. Patient documentation reports were found to be the most important genre. The study found that the students faced multiple writing challenges, including limited knowledge of the genres, limited vocabulary and lack of academic literacy skills. The dissertation makes suggestions for ways English for Academic Purposes writing support can be developed to address the English writing needs of students in this context.