A Survey Study On The Undergraduate Curriculum Design Of English Major For The Orientation Of Education From The Perspective Of Students’ Needs Analysis

With the rapid development of science and technology, people all over the world can communicate more frequently with each other. Of course, English is gradually developed into the universal language. To cultivate more high-qualified English professionals has become particularly significant, thus English education also begins to show its importance. The curriculum design is closely related to the quality and development of this field. This study means to further improve the needs analysis theory; what’s more, it does have certain directive significance for the curriculum design for the major of English education of Xi’an International Studies University(short for XISU). In addition, it can be a reference for other universities which has this major.This study is a combination of quantitative and qualitative research which chose the senior students of the School of English Education of XISU as the object of the study. Some methods are used comprehensively to obtain data about the curriculum design from the perspective of students’ needs analysis, for instance, the literature analysis, questionnaire and interviews. At the stage of the questionnaire survey, first of all, I intend to know the current situation of the curriculum design of this major, including students’ goals of employment, the idea about the consistency between curriculum and cultivation objectives, as well as the overall satisfaction to the curriculum design and its detailed items. Then I intend to know about their learning needs and target needs. At last, I intend to know about what subjects are required to extend based on the current curriculum. At the stage of interview, I interviewed several students about some uncertain questions which come from the questionnaire, intending to further support this study.Through the analysis of the investigation result, this thesis draws the following conclusions: First, the overall satisfaction of students on the current curriculum design is not high even though it is much more comprehensive. It may have the following problems, such as the unreasonable allocation of course structure, study periods and credits; the teaching methods of English professional skills is single; educational courses focus too much on theory while lack enough practice; the type of practical course is too limited, and the time is too short. Second, almost all the basic courses are helpful to students’ self-development, while a few contribute to their future occupation and job hunting. Third, students have to obtain varies of ability and knowledge during the undergraduate period. However, they still have the lacks and wants on the knowledge and ability of education. According to the problems in the current curriculum design, the following relative suggestions are put forward: First, improving the weak curriculum, and striving to improve students’ satisfaction towards their curriculum. For example, allocating the study period and credits more reasonably, optimizing the curriculum structure; improving the teaching method; adjusting the core of educational course, strengthening its practice; adding more science courses of general education; adding more practical courses and extending the practice time. Second, adopting students’ good points and avoid their shortcomings. In addition, we should pay special attention to the courses which contribute to students’ self-development, future occupation and job hunting. Third, strengthen students’ necessary ability and knowledge, enhancing their lacks and wants on the ability and knowledge.