English for Medical Purposes: Identifying Learning Needs of Second-Year Medical Students at the University of Bejaia, Algeria

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altralangvol7issue1
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Published: Jun 1, 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52919/altralang.v7i1.544
Keywords:
English for Specific Purposes (ESP), English for Medical Purposes (EMP), Needs Analysis, Learning Needs, Medical Students

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Fouad BOUOUDEN
University of Bejaia Abderrahmane Mira, Algeria
https://orcid.org/0009-0009-4247-4232
Fouzia ROUAGHE
University of Setif 2 Mohamed Lamine Debaghine, Algeria
https://orcid.org/0009-0009-4486-2722

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to identify specific English learning needs for second-year students of medicine at the University of Bejaia, Algeria. This aims to support the design of a course in English for Medical Purposes tailored to meet medical students' real needs. To this end, a mixed-methods approach was employed and data were collected via an online survey questionnaire. A sample of 148 medical students participated out of a population of 208 second-year students. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. The results indicate that the majority of students recognize the importance of English for their medical studies and future careers. Speaking skills and vocabulary development were noticeably identified as key areas needing improvement. Students expressed a preference for hybrid learning mode using online platforms and interactive apps. The study concludes that there is a need for a tailored English for Medical Purposes (EMP) course that fulfils the specific needs and preferences of medical students, focusing on practical and communication skills

Article Details

How to Cite
BOUOUDEN, F., & ROUAGHE, F. (2025). English for Medical Purposes: Identifying Learning Needs of Second-Year Medical Students at the University of Bejaia, Algeria. ALTRALANG Journal, 7(1), 342-353. https://doi.org/10.52919/altralang.v7i1.544
Issue
Vol 7 No 1 (2025): ALTRALANG Journal Volume: 7 Issue: 1 / June 2025
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Articles
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Author Biographies

Fouad BOUOUDEN, University of Bejaia Abderrahmane Mira, Algeria

Fouad BOUOUDEN is an English Language Teacher at a public secondary school in Jijel, Algeria, and a PhD candidate in Applied Linguistics at the University of Bejaia, Algeria. He holds a master’s degree from the University of Constantine 1, Algeria. With over 12 years of teaching experience across middle school, secondary school, and university levels as well as private sector. Fouad has participated in numerous teacher education programs in Algeria and the United States. Most notably, he was selected for the US Fulbright Teaching Excellence and Achievement Program at the University of Arkansas, where he earned a TEFL certificate from Spring International Language Center and was honoured as an Ambassador of Good Will by the Governor of Arkansas.

Fouzia ROUAGHE, University of Setif 2 Mohamed Lamine Debaghine, Algeria

Fouzia ROUAGHE: is an Associate Professor of English Applied Linguistics at the University of Sétif 2, Algeria, with over 15 years of teaching experience. She has taught a diverse range of modules, including English for Specific Purposes (ESP), oral expression, grammar, phonology, cross-cultural communication, and pragmatics. A CELTA-certified Teacher Trainer, she has also served as a peer reviewer for national and international academic journals in Algeria, Turkey, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. She is the author of multiple manuscripts published in Scopus-indexed journals and an active reviewer for prestigious publishers such as Elsevier and SAGE. In addition, she has chaired numerous webinars and on-site conferences, where she has invited renowned speakers at both local and international levels.

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