ESP Needs Analysis for Nursing Students at a Sri Lankan Higher Education Institution

Abstract

This study analyzes the effectiveness of existing English for Academic Purposes (EAP) modules in meeting the English language requirements of the Higher National Diploma Nursing program at a non-state Higher Education Institute (HEI) in Sri Lanka. Drawing on the Nation and Macalister’s Language Curriculum Design framework, a needs analysis was conducted. This comprised determining students’ linguistic needs, aspirations, and gaps in academic and clinical settings through a validated questionnaire, followed by interviews with two lecturers of core subjects, one English language lecturer, and twenty-eight students. The data were analyzed thematically using an inductive approach. The findings indicate that the current EAP modules are insufficient to meet the professional communication needs of nurses. A substantial proportion (65%) of students reported not using English daily, while (52%) reported low confidence, mainly in oral communication, and (57%) emphasized the need for improving medical communication. Students and lecturers emphasized the need for interactive language instruction with a nursing focus. Next, the study compared the international ESP curriculum models with the existing EAP module, supported by the findings, and observed significant content differences. The study recommends that English for Specific Purposes or English for Nursing should be integrated into nursing school curricula along with faculty development support, differentiated instruction, and authentic materials. Language instruction should be keyed to actual communication needs to promote academic achievement and professional competence at the global level.