Subjective and Objective Needs Analysis of Mandarin Learners

Q3 Social Sciences

International Journal of Chinese Education Pub Date : 2022-01-01 DOI:10.1177/2212585X221144897

K. Lam, L. Ang, F. Hoe, Hie-Ling Ting

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Needs analysis for language courses has to be carried out continuously to keep up with global changes and the needs of learners. This mixed-method study aims to describe the subjective and objective needs of the Mandarin learners in Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), Malaysia, and to check if these needs correspond with each other. Targetting at 120 learners and two instructors, a questionnaire survey was distributed, and complemented by qualitative data derived from focus group interviews. Result shows that learners’ subjective needs correspond with objective needs for motivational orientation, textbook, and cultural exposure. Statistically insignificant differences were found in the expected skills to learn, lecture-activities ratio, and teaching-learning activities. The study concludes that flexibility, student-centeredness and practicality are elements to look into for course improvement. Future research can explore learners’ needs in mastering writing skill, as well as the needs differences among learners across different levels. The study complements the understanding and knowledge of needs analysis in regard to Mandarin learning outside of China.

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普通话学习者的主客观需求分析

语言课程的需求分析必须不断进行，以跟上全球变化和学习者的需求。本混合方法研究旨在描述马来西亚沙捞越大学(UNIMAS)汉语学习者的主观和客观需求，并检查这些需求是否相互对应。以120名学习者和2名教员为对象，分发了一份问卷调查，并辅以焦点小组访谈所得的定性数据。结果表明，学习者在动机导向、教材和文化接触方面的主观需求与客观需求是一致的。期望学习技能、讲授活动比、教与学活动的差异均无统计学意义。研究认为，灵活性、以学生为中心和实用性是课程改进需要考虑的因素。未来的研究可以探索学习者在掌握写作技能方面的需求，以及不同层次学习者的需求差异。该研究补充了对中国境外汉语学习需求分析的理解和知识。

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来源期刊

International Journal of Chinese Education Social Sciences-Education

CiteScore

2.40

自引率

0.00%

发文量

期刊介绍： The International Journal of Chinese Education (IJCE) is a result of the collaboration between Brill Academic Publishers and the Institute of Education at Tsinghua University. It aims to strengthen Chinese academic exchanges and cooperation with other countries in order to improve Chinese educational research and promote Chinese educational development. Through collaboration among scholars in and outside of China who are dedicated to the investigation of Chinese education, this journal aims to raise Chinese educational research levels, further recognize and solve Chinese educational problems, inform Chinese educational policies and decisions, and promote Chinese educational reform and development. This journal welcomes empirical as well as theoretical studies on particular educational issues and/or policies.