ELI 73 Writing Class: A Pilot Needs Analysis

Abstract

A pilot needs analysis survey was conducted for the ELI 73 writing class at the University of Hawai’i. The purpose was twofold: first, preliminary data was gathered to prepare for a more complete future needs analysis of the ELI writing program. Secondly, preliminary data was gathered in order to help teachers to better understand their students’ immediate needs in the ELI 73 writing class. Results showed that ELI 73’s course objectives explicitly account for 7 of the 9 writing skills listed in the questionnaire. Class presentation handouts and group writing projects are not listed as course objectives. Further, 75% of the respondents had to prepare class presentation handouts, which suggests that handout preparation should be included as part of the ELI 73 writing curriculum.