A needs analysis for Chinese language teaching at a university in the United States

Abstract

This paper presents the results of a one-year language curriculum needs analysis project aimed at developing a deeper understanding of the learning needs of first and second year Chinese language students at a university in the United States. The purpose of this project was to provide a foundation for further curriculum development of the university's Chinese language program by assessing student learning needs within the first and second year courses as perceived by the students and their teachers. The data for this project were collected through anonymous questionnaires distributed to teachers and students, personal interviews with the university's Chinese language teachers and first/second year students, and classroom observations conducted by the researcher. Through a quantitative analysis of the collected data, this paper focuses on the perceived needs of the students, and gives special attention to the differences in perceptions between students and teachers regarding these needs. This needs analysis project aimed to provide an example for other researchers and institutions in developing language curricula, particularly in the context of Chinese language studies.