Needs Analysis: Development of Local Excellence-Based Reading Texts to Improve Communication Skills of Tour Guides in Papua

Abstract

, This paper describes the initial stages of a needs analysis project developed in the context of tourism in Papua with the aim of identifying the needs of the target group of learners (tour guides) and introducing local excellence-based reading text courses and teaching materials. This study adopted the needs analysis framework suggested by Hutchinson and Waters (1994) focusing on target needs and learning needs. The research findings reveal the need for the development of very specific English courses or what is often called as ‘English for Specific Purposes’ (ESP) with a clear focus on the target discipline, tourism in Papua. There is also a demand for ESP training provision which addresses the urgent needs of tour guides and their king-term needs as professionals in the tourism business.