Análise das reflexões estabelecidas por pesquisadores entre conhecimento de língua inglesa e desempenho acadêmico

Abstract

This study aims at identifying and discussing needs and interests of researchers of a public university in regard to learning or improving their knowledge of English for academic purposes. As a theoretical foundation, we rely on the studies developed by Robinson (1991), Hutchinson and Waters (2006), and Dudley-Evans and St. John (2010) to base discussions regarding English for Specific Purposes (ESP). More directly related to the central question of this study, we review Flowerdew and Peacock (2001), Kennedy (2001) and Wood (2001) that underlies the theories about English for Academic Purposes (EAP). Theoretical reference regarding Needs Analysis (ROBINSON, 1991; HUTCHINSON and WATERS, 2006; DUDLEY-EVANS and ST. JOHN, 2010), EAP course design (FLOWERDEW e PEACOCK, 2001; JORDAN, 2012) and Genre Analysis (SWALES, 2011; MOTTA-ROTH 2000, 2008; RAMOS, 2004) also contribute to the development of the present study. The participants are researchers (Master and PhD. students, besides university professors) from diverse scientific areas, and data has been collected in three different moments and by three instruments (two semi-structured questionnaires and an interview). Based on the data analysis it was possible to see that most participants are interested in a course focused on English for specific purposes. They also revealed to consider English as being the international language of science and key factor for publishing research results. We conclude that participants main interest is having EAP courses focused on productive skills (writing and speaking), because it could help them to publish. From participants comments related to their expectations regarding an EAP course and from the data analyzed, we expect to contribute to possible procedures for courses/materials design of English for Academic Purposes.