INVESTIGATING THE APPLICATION OF NEEDS ANALYSIS OF AIRLINE STAFF STUDENTS IN INDONESIA

Abstrak

This study investigates the application of needs analysis in English for Specific Purposes (ESP) courses for airline staff students in Indonesia. The research uses a mixed-methods approach to evaluate whether the language taught aligns with workplace requirements. Data were collected from 50 students and 15 airline staff using questionnaires and an analysis of course syllabi and materials. The findings reveal that while speaking skills were adequately addressed through role-playing activities aligned with real-world tasks, other skills such as listening, writing, and reading were misaligned with workplace demands. Listening tasks failed to address diverse accents encountered during customer interactions, and writing activities lacked relevance to operational documentation. Pronunciation and vocabulary, critical for effective communication, were underrepresented in the course. These inadequacies led to challenges faced by students during internships, including difficulties understanding accents and constructing grammatically correct responses. The study underscores the importance of incorporating authentic materials, informed by comprehensive needs analysis, into ESP course design to better prepare students for professional roles. Future research should explore integrating workplace observations and interviews with industry professionals to enhance alignment between academic instruction and practical requirements.