Bridging The Gap Between The Students’ Needs And The English Teaching Material Used In Tourism Polytechnic

Abstract

Language teaching materials should cover language systems and language skills into seven language teaching components. This paper aims at finding out the students’ needs in mastering language teaching components and the suitability with their needs and the language teaching material used.

This research employs quantitative study by using survey method. The population of this study are all the second semester students who have applied ASEAN curriculum in three Tourism Polytechnics: Bandung, Makassar and Lombok and by applying accidental technique sampling, there are 406 respondents involve in this study.

Based on the results of data analysis, it has been found that 1) mastering vocabulary is the most important language component needed by the students (61,6%) and speaking skill is the most needed language skill (80,5%) while the teaching method preferred in learning vocabulary is using games (35,0%) and in improving speaking skill is by practicing the conversation given (55,9%). While the language function most needed by the students is ask for and give information (68,7%) followed by handling telephone, and asking for opinion. Handling complaints and describing objects are also needed by the students. The English lecturer should consider the students’ needs in providing the teaching materials and methods used in the classroom.