Sciences Faculty Students' Perceptions of the Role of English Language Course in Meeting Workplace Language Needs

الملخص

The present study aimed at investigating the reasons behind faculty of science undergraduates' English language learning along with identifying their most needed language skills. Further, it sought to shed light on undergraduates' evaluation of the course merits for future job together with ascertaining their self confidence in job interviews. In order to achieve its objectives, descriptive research design was used in the present study; questionnaires and interviews which were developed by the researcher and then were checked for reliability and validity measures. The sample of the study consisted of 294 (150 male; 144 female) faculty of science undergraduates who responded to the survey questionnaire. Upon filling in the questionnaire, 30 students were interviewed. The findings of the study indicated undergraduates' keenness to learn English for the reason that it will help them in their future career. The results of the study also showed that listening was the most important language skill for science students as it helps them in their course of study. Furthermore, the study reported that English language course stressed reading and grammar skills rather than communication language skills that are crucial in developing students' self-confidence for workplace.