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Arab World English Journal (AWEJ) Special Issue on CALL Number 11. July 2025 Pp. 111-125
Faculty of Education, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, Malaysia
Faculty of Languages and Communication, Sultan Idris Education University (UPSI),
Tanjong Malim, Malaysia
Faculty of Education, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, Malaysia
Eduxcellence: Development of Innovative Curriculum & Pedagogy Research Group
Faculty of Education, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, Malaysia
Needs analysis is a crucial first step in Design and Development Research (DDR) before designing effective and efficient instructional methods that address specific goals and objectives. This study aimed to identify the needs of ESL undergraduates in enhancing their English writing skills by employing Dudley-Evans and St John’s (1998) model of needs analysis. The study investigated four key areas: Target Situation Analysis (TSA), Present Situation Analysis (PSA), Learning Situation Analysis (LSA), and Means Situation Analysis (MSA). A questionnaire survey was administered to 66 undergraduates enrolled in Semester 2 and above at a public university in Malaysia. Findings revealed that respondents perceived substantial academic value in writing skills, acknowledged challenges in mastering these skills, identified valuable content and strategies for improvement, and expressed a positive attitude toward utilizing a web-based writing module. This indicates a strong willingness to adopt technology for enhancing writing skills. The study provides valuable insights for ESL practitioners in designing, developing, and delivering effective, practical, and contextually relevant writing instruction. However, this study focuses on students from one public university only; future research could include a larger and more diverse sample to identify the needs of ESL undergraduates across multiple public universities.
Mat, M., Hashim, H., & Sulaiman, N. A. (2025). Uncovering the ESL Undergraduates’ Needs for a Web-based Writing Module. Arab World English Journal (AWEJ) Special Issue on CALL (11):111-125.
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Mazyani Mat is an English language instructor who has been teaching at Sultan Idris Education University (UPSI) for 17 years. Currently, she is pursuing her doctoral degree in TESL at the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM). Her research interests include writing in the ESL context, technology-enhanced language learning, and curriculum and instruction.
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0004-3372-1610
Harwati Hashim is an Associate Professor and Deputy Dean of Research and Innovation at the Faculty of Education, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM). A specialist in educational technology, she focuses on Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL), Mobile-Assisted Language Learning (MALL), language learning strategies, and innovative pedagogies. Dr. Harwati’s expertise in integrating technology with English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction is widely recognized, and she is a prolific contributor to various types of publications in her field. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8817-427X
Nur Ainil Sulaiman is a senior lecturer at the Centre of Innovation in Teaching and Learning, Faculty of Education, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM). Her research interest includes second language reading and vocabulary acquisition.
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6212-7494