Abstract:
English for Specific Purposes (ESP) is an approach to language that aims to meet
the needs and demands of learners. Therefore, needs analysis is very useful for
identifying learners’ key requirements and determine the areas in which they are
lacking skills. This study investigates Algerian ESP teachers’ and students’ needs
and difficulties in the Sciences and Technology Departments at Yahia Fares
University, Medea. It targets teachers’ perceptions about their teaching
approaches, the main problems encountered in the ESP course, and the strategies
implemented to help ESP students. To this end, a focus group interview was used
to meet the research aims. The findings of this research revealed insightful
information on teachers' and students’ needs as well as their encountered
challenges, as an input to syllabus and materials planning, as well as to lesson
planning and classroom instruction practice. The study demonstrated the
importance of teacher training and the understanding of students’ needs in ESP
syllabus at university level in Algeria
