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Arab World English Journal (AWEJ) Volume 14. Number 4 December 2023
Faculty of Education, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
Adequate English communication is vital for professional success, particularly in the aviation industry. As universities strive to enhance graduate employability, it is imperative to equip future employees with the necessary linguistic abilities to navigate the challenges and achieve organizational objectives within the workforce. One critical avenue for achieving this objective is the meticulous design of English language syllabi. The primary aim of this research, conducted in Malaysia, is to investigate feedback from aviation military officers former students of a defence university, regarding the existing English language curriculum and to identify their specific requirements for these courses. The study addresses two key questions: 1) Feedback on the existing English courses for military aviation officers, and 2) The English language requirements of military aviation officers. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight military aviation officers nationwide using a qualitative research method. These interviews were conducted online due to pandemic-related restrictions, with each participant interviewed individually. The study’s main findings emphasize the significant role of English language proficiency in the aviation profession. Participants highlighted the critical need for improved curriculum designs, focusing on accent and jargon mastery. These insights underscore the urgency of refining the current English language courses to better address the specific language requirements of military aviation officers, thereby promoting their sustainable employment. In conclusion, this research provides valuable recommendations for curriculum enhancement and analyses future research in English language instruction. Emphasizing the critical role of English language skills in the aviation industry contributes to creating more effective and tailored English classrooms in the aviation sector and beyond. This study ultimately advances the broader goal of enhancing graduate employability in aviation.
Keywords: defence university, employability, English curriculum, military aviation officers, needs analysis
Ab. Rahman, N.K., Yunus, M. M., Mohamad Nasri, N. & Abd Rahman, E. (2023). Elevating Employability: Analysing English Curriculum for Military Aviation Officers. Arab World English Journal, 14 (4) 80-93.
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Nur Khadirah Ab. Rahman is an English Lecturer at the Language Centre, Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia with a profound background in language education, holding an M.A. in TESOL from the University of Nottingham, Malaysia. She is currently a PhD candidate in TESL at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, where her research passion revolves around Technology Enhanced Language Learning (TELL) and Mobile Assisted Language Learning (MALL).
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6118-6636
Dr. Melor Md Yunus is a Professor at the Faculty of Education, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. With an M.A. in TESL from Arizona State University and a PhD in Education (TESOL) from the University of Bristol, she’s an authority in TESL and language pedagogy. Renowned for pioneering ICT integration in ESL education, she’s published prolifically in scholarly journals, amassing 200+ innovation awards, and commanding respect within her field. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7504-7143
Dr. Nurfaradilla Mohamad Nasri is an Associate Professor in curriculum and pedagogy at the Centre of Educational Leadership and Policy, Faculty of Education, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. She did her PhD at the University of Edinburgh, UK. Her main research interest relates to development of a culturally responsive curriculum and instruction, teachers’ professional development, self-directed learning and sustainable learning. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8572-3838
Emily Abd Rahman is an English Lecturer the Language Centre, Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia, bringing her expertise in language education to her students. She earned her M.A. in TESOL from the University of Nottingham, Malaysia. Currently, she is pursuing her PhD at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, focusing on Technology Enhanced Language Learning (TELL) and Mobile Assisted Language Learning (MALL). ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5239-2876