■ This paper reports on a needs analysis underlying a proposed business English reading course using a problem-based learning approach designed to enhance English reading abilities of Thai undergraduate students. As part of a work in progress, the needs analysis survey was done prior to the course design with the major stakeholders in business and academic settings. The findings from the needs analysis were used to determine the course's learning objectives, content and the evaluation so that the needs of the students who are English for business communication majors of the School of Humanities, the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce could be met. Based on this needs analysis, it is proposed that the problem-based business English reading course might be effectively designed as an ESP course to enhance English reading ability of Thai undergraduate students.
Ahlfeldt, S.L.2004`Problem-Based Learning in the Public Speaking Classroom' , Dissertation Abstracts International65.01 (UMI No. 3119098).
2.
Alderson, J.C.2000Assessing Reading (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press).
3.
Au, K.1997`Literacy for All Students: Ten Steps toward Making a Difference' , The Reading Teacher51: 186-94.
4.
Barrows, H.S.1986`A Taxonomy of Problem-Based Learning Methods', Medical Education20: 481-86.
5.
Bretag, T.2001`Integrating ESL in the Curriculum and in the Faculty.'Proceedings of Language and Academic Skills, Changing Identities Conference , Wollongong University, NSW. Retrieved 20 June, 2007 from: http://learning.uow.edu.au/LAS2001/unrefereed/bretag.pdf .
6.
Chikotas, N.E.2005`Problem-Based Learning in Nurse Practitioner Education and Subsequent Clinical Practice: The Practitioners' Perspectives' (Doctoral dissertation, The Pennsylvania State University) UMI ProQuest Digital Dissertations, Publication number AAT3172965.
7.
De Grave, W.S., H.G. Schmidt, and H.P.A. Boshuizen2001`Effects of Problem-Based Discussion on Studying a Subsequent Text: A Randomized Trial among First Year Medical Students', Instructional Science29(1): 33-44.
8.
Donahue, L.S.1999`A Case Study Investigating Problem-Based Learning in a Reading Specialist Program' (Unpublished doctoral dissertation; Department of Curriculum Education and Instruction; Graduate School: The Pennsylvania State University).
9.
Dudley-Evans, T., and M.J. St John1998Developments in English for Specific Purposes ( Cambridge: Cambridge University Press).
10.
Guthrie, J.T.2004`Teaching for Literacy Engagement', Journal of Literacy Research36(1): 1-30.
11.
Hutchinson, T., and A. Waters1993English for Specific Purposes (Cambridge : Cambridge University Press).
12.
Jacoby, S., and T. McNamara1999`Locating Competence', English for Specific Purposes18(3): 213-41.
13.
Jordan, R.R.2000English for Academic Purposes: A Guide and Resource Book for Teachers (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press).
14.
Kankaanranta, A., and L. Louhiala-Salminen2007`Business Communication in BELF', Business Communication Quarterly70(1): 55-59.
15.
Kosel, B.2002`Problem-Based Learning in Teaching English across the Curriculum', IATEFL ESP SIG Newsletter21: 13-18.
16.
Long, M.H.2005Second Language Needs Analysis (Cambridge : Cambridge University Press).
17.
Ngeow, K., and Kong Yoon-San2001`Learning to Learn: Preparing Teachers and Students for Problem-Based Learning', ERIC Digest (Report No. EDO-CS_01-04). Bloomington, IN: ERIC Clearing House on Reading, English, and Communications. Retrived 10 January 2006 from: http://web7.epnet.com/
18.
Nitsaisook, M.2002`A Study of Thai Students' EFL Reading Literacy' (Unpublished thesis, Chonburi, Burapha University).
19.
Richards, J.C.2001Curriculum Development in Language Teaching (Cambridge : Cambridge University Press).
20.
Savin-Baden, M.2003Facilitating Problem-Based Learning: Illuminating Perspectives ( Berkshire: SRHE and Open University Press).
21.
Songhori, M.H.2004`Two Models Compared: Problem-Based Learning and Task-Based Learning', English for Specific Purposes World [Online]. Retrieved 7 December 2007 from: http://www.esp-world.info/Articles_8/Mehdi.htm.
Wood, A., and M. Head2003`Just What the Doctor Ordered: The Application of Problem-Based Learning to EAP', English for Specific Purposes23: 3-17.
24.
Saengrutsamee, A.2000`Effects of Problem-Based Learning on Self-Directed Learning, Environmental Science Achievement and Satisfaction towards Instruction of Mathayom Suksa Four Students' (Unpublished doctoral dissertation, Bangkok, Chulalongkorn University).
