Non-English Majors' Perceptions Regarding Freshman English for Non-English Majors (FENM)

大學一年級非英語系學生對大一英文課程之觀點

張淑英(Jackie Chang)

Freshman English for non-English Majors (FENM) ； perceptions ； 大學一年級非英語系英文課程 ； 觀點

高雄海洋科大學報

31期（2017 / 03 / 01）

64 - 87

英文

The aims of this study were threefold: to investigate non-English major freshmen's perceptions regarding Freshman English for non-English majors (FENM) in terms of course design, English teachers and textbooks; to explore personal problems encountered by students while taking FENM; and to compare the students' high school English ability with their ability at university. This study used questionnaires distributed to 548 first year students at a national university in Southern Taiwan. The findings indicate that while students' perceptions of FENM are generally positive, they would prefer an integrated-skills course design, more advanced textbooks and teaching content, student-centered teaching method, and better assessments. Personal problems faced by the students include weak English proficiency, lack of effort and low motivation. Finally, only about one-fifth of the students stated that their English ability had improved since high school. It is hoped that the results of this study will provide some insights for English teachers, FENM administrators and related authorities for the improvement of FENM programs in Taiwan.

本研究目的有三個。第一是探討大學一年級非英語系學生對大一英文課程（課程設計、英語教師和英語教科書）的觀點。第二是探究大學一年級非英語系學生修習大一英文所面臨的個人問題。第三是探討大學一年級非英語系學的高中英文和大學一年級英文程度比較。本研究對象為南部某國立大學548位大學一年級非英語系學生。研究方法為問卷調查。研究結果顯示，整體而言大學一年級非英語系學生對大一英文課程持正面看法。但研究結果也顯示學生傾向全方位（聽說讀寫、單字及文法等融合）課程設計、更具難度的教科書與教學內容。大學一年級非英語系學生修習大一英文面臨的問題有英文程度差，不認真學習和低落的學習動機。最後大約只有五分之一的學生表示如果和高中英文能力比較起來，他們的大一英文能力有增進。本研究結果希望提供臺灣能夠提升大一英文課程人士一些看法，如英語老師、大一英文課程行政人員以及相關單位等等。也希望未來有更多的大一英文課程相關研究。藉此，大一英文課程會更趨於完善，進而達到臺灣大學生在全球化下英語學習的需求。

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