Needs analysis for developing critical reading: Perspectives from EFL undergraduates and teachers

Dongmei He and Asmaa AlSaqqaf (2025) Needs analysis for developing critical reading: Perspectives from EFL undergraduates and teachers. International Journal of Instruction, 18 (4). pp. 421-440. ISSN 1694-609X

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Abstract

Relevant literature revealed that critical reading presents a significant challenge for English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners, especially non-English major undergraduates in China. Although critical reading is widely acknowledged as essential, its effective integration into EFL instruction remains inadequate. This study is an initial step in exploring strategies to address this gap. It aims to discover the need to develop critical reading skills from the perspectives of Chinese EFL non-English major undergraduates and EFL teachers. A sample of 386 non-English major EFL undergraduates and 82 EFL teachers participated in the study, with a Need Analysis Students’ Questionnaire (NASQ) and a Need Analysis Teachers’ Questionnaire (NATQ) used. Results revealed a congruency between learners and teachers, as both groups reported moderate levels of engagement—learners in their use of critical reading skill (M = 3.151) and teachers in implementation of critical reading instruction (M = 3.045). This study recommends designing modules that align teacher instruction with learner needs, developing critical reading skills from lower-level to progressively higher-level skills, and providing structured tasks within the skills development.

Item Type:	Article
Keyword:	Needs analysis, Critical reading, Chinese EFL undergraduates, EFL teacher, Undergraduates, EFL
Subjects:	L Education > LB Theory and practice of education > LB5-3640 Theory and practice of education > LB2300-2430 Higher education P Language and Literature > PE English language > PE1-3729 English > PE1001-1693 Modern English
Department:	CENTRE > Centre for the Promotion of Knowledge and Language Learning
Depositing User:	SITI AZIZAH BINTI IDRIS -
Date Deposited:	26 Aug 2025 14:13
Last Modified:	26 Aug 2025 14:13
URI:	https://eprints.ums.edu.my/id/eprint/45055

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