Student Perspectives on English Studies at University of Alicante

Survey on English Studies Degree at University of Alicante

Demographics and Survey Objectives

From April 11th to 17th, 2016, a survey was conducted among 25 students. Of these participants, 72% were female and 28% were male.

The primary objectives of this survey were to understand the reasons students chose the English Studies Degree at the University of Alicante, identify their preferences between the two main branches (linguistics or literature), and assess their level of satisfaction with the degree's development. Additionally, the survey aimed to explore students' plans and expectations upon completing their studies.

Survey Methodology

Questionnaire Design and Administration

The survey was administered through a questionnaire given to the students to complete. This questionnaire comprised 15 questions.

Detailed Questionnaire Structure

Demographic and Foundational Questions

The first three questions gathered data on the students' age, gender, and mother tongue.

Reasons for Degree Choice and Curriculum Awareness

The next four questions (4-7) were designed to ascertain the reasons why students chose the English Studies Degree instead of English Translation Studies. It was considered very important to determine if students were informed in detail about their curriculum before starting the degree. Furthermore, it was necessary to find out if students felt they had increased their knowledge of the English language.

Academic Preferences and Perceived Utility

Questions eight through eleven focused on students' reading habits and their preferences between linguistics and literature. These questions also sought to determine whether students perceived these areas as truly useful for acquiring a good knowledge of English.

Student Satisfaction and Future Aspirations

Questions twelve through fourteen established the students' level of satisfaction with the degree. These questions investigated what subjects students would like to learn and what subjects they believed could be added to improve the education system. The final question of the questionnaire explored the learners' plans or expectations once they finished their studies.

Key Findings from the Student Survey

Syllabus Awareness and Degree Choice Motivation

The main findings were as follows:

• Regarding syllabus knowledge before starting the degree:
  • 41.7% had a vague idea.
  • 33.3% knew nothing about it.
  • 25% knew it thoroughly.
• The primary reason students chose this degree was to learn the English language.

Overall Student Satisfaction and Career Plans

In spite of the fact that they would like to change some aspects, students were to a great extent satisfied with the overall development of the degree. Considering their expectations, most of them wanted to study a Master's degree to become teachers in the future.

Implications for the English Studies Program

These findings suggest that this degree largely responds to the necessities of its students, albeit teaching skills must be reinforced as a key part of the curriculum.

Conclusion and Study Limitations

It is not easy to reach any definite conclusions based upon such a small sample of students. However, it is clear that a majority of students who chose this degree did so to learn the language, and they were more or less satisfied with it.