ANALYZING ENGLISH LEARNING NEEDS FOR VISUAL COMMUNICATION DESIGN PROGRAM IN VOCATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.22460/eltin.v14i2.p341-358Keywords:
Needs Analysis, English for Specific Purposes (ESP), Visual Communication Design (VCD), Vocational High School (VHS)Abstract
This study examined the English language learning needs of students in the Visual Communication Design (VCD) program in one of the vocational high schools in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Utilizing a mixed-method approach, both quantitative data from questionnaires and qualitative data from an interview with the teacher were gathered to identify the target needs and learning needs. In the target needs, the findings reveal that all students (100%) consider English proficiency as a necessity for their field, since English is commonly found in their field-specific materials. The students further reported deficiencies in their speaking skills (92%), which makes them want to prioritize communicative skills (speaking and listening) in their English learning. For their learning needs, the students favor flexible classroom dynamics, preferring individual, pair, or small group work (maximum four members). Furthermore, they indicated clear preferences for learning inputs of each language skill, such as podcasts (65%) for listening and guided tasks (85%) for writing. Lastly, when integrating technology, the students show a strong preference for bite-sized content in social media (96%) and competitive educational games (73%). Ultimately, these findings provide insights for educators to design a highly tailored, engaging, and digitally relevant ESP learning experience for the VCD students.
References
Akhyar, M. F., & Roslaini, R. (2025). The Effects of Quizizz on Students’ Reading Ability and Learning Motivation in Indonesian EFL Classrooms. Journal of Language and Literature Studies, 5(3), 603–616. https://doi.org/10.36312/jolls.v5i3.3188
Akther, F. (2022). English for personal and career development and its importance for better employment opportunities. Journal of Languages, Linguistics and Literary Studies, 2(3), 95–100. https://doi.org/10.57040/JLLLS.V2I3.258
Arifin, I., Rauf, B. A., & Ahmad, A. (2023). Analysis of Learning Needs for Visual Communication Design Students for the Latest Graphics Teaching Materials. Asian Journal of Education and Social Studies, 48(4), 142-153. https://doi.org/10.9734/ajess/2023/v48i41093
Ayu, H. K., Thamrin, N. S., Dewi, A. K., & Kamaruddin, A. (2026). Peer support and confidence in English speaking proficiency among EFL students. Journal of General Education and Humanities, 5(1), 1233-1240. https://doi.org/10.58421/gehu.v5i1.972
Basturkmen, H. (2010). Developing Courses in English for Specific Purposes. Palgrave Macmillan UK. https://doi.org/10.1057/9780230290518
Bogale, Y. N. (2018). Communicative English Skills Needs of EFL Undergraduate Students and the Perception of their Instructors about Students’ Needs. Ethiopian Journal of Language, Culture and Communication, 3(2), 159-180.https://doi.org/10.20372/EJLCC.V3I2.1434
Chairinkam, J., & Yawiloeng, R. (2024). The use of scaffolding strategies to enhance the writing development of EFL students. Theory and Practice in Language Studies, 14(9), 2996-3007.https://doi.org/10.17507/tpls.1409.35
Conesa, P. J., Onandia-Hinchado, I., Duñabeitia, J. A., & Moreno, M. Á. (2022). Basic psychological needs in the classroom: A literature review in elementary and middle school students. Learning and Motivation, 79, 101819. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lmot.2022.101819
Council of Europe. (2020). Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Companion Volume. Council of Europe.
Duke, N. K., Halvorsen, A.-L., Strachan, S. L., Kim, J., & Konstantopoulos, S. (2021). Putting PjBL to the Test: The Impact of Project-Based Learning on Second Graders’ Social Studies and Literacy Learning and Motivation in Low-SES School Settings. American Educational Research Journal, 58(1), 160–200. https://doi.org/10.3102/0002831220929638
Eckardt, P. N., Craig, M., & Kraemer, L. (2020). The impact of project-based learning on student content knowledge in an undergraduate, teacher preparation, foundations of education course. Journal for Leadership and Instruction, 19(1), 38-42.
Farah, R. R. (2021). Exploring the English Needs of Mechanical Engineering Students in ESP Class: Indonesian University Context. Al-Ta Lim Journal, 28(1), 76–82. https://doi.org/10.15548/JT.V28I1.627
Gohar, R. H. A. (2023). A microlearning ESP program to develop university students’ vocabulary and reduce their cognitive load. CDELT Occasional Papers in the Development of English Education, 83(1), 453-476. https://doi.org/10.21608/opde.2023.325342
Hajar, I., & Triastuti, A. (2021). A Need Analysis of ESP materials for Agriculture Students at Indonesian Vocational School in West Sulawesi. IJELTAL (Indonesian Journal of English Language Teaching and Applied Linguistics), 6(1), 13. https://doi.org/10.21093/ijeltal.v6i1.840
Hamad, M. M., & Dafaallah, A. S. (2023). The Pros and Cons of Teaching English Language Speaking Skills Online From the Points of View of EFL Teachers at King Khalid University’s (KKU’s) Tehama Campus. Journal of Language Teaching and Research, 15(1), 291–300. https://doi.org/10.17507/jltr.1501.32
Handayani, R., Sukarno, S., Ciptaningrum, D. S., Titania, F. N., Rihatmi, R., & Sharizan, S. (2025). Crafting Effective ESP Writing Instructions: A Comprehensive Need Analysis. International Journal of Multicultural and Multireligious Understanding, 12(3), 55. https://doi.org/10.18415/ijmmu.v12i3.6597
Hartanto, S., Huda, A., Wulansari, R. E., Mubai, A., Firdaus, & Shalehoddin. (2022). The Design of Android-Based Interactive Lean Manufacturing Application to Increase Students’ Work Skill in Vocational High School: The Development and Validity. International Journal of Interactive Mobile Technologies (IJIM), 16(13), 130–139. https://doi.org/10.3991/IJIM.V16I13.30595
Hartina, St., & Syahrir, S. (2021). The Inappropriateness of English for Specific Purposes (ESP) with Learner’s Goals: A Need Analysis on Communication and Islamic Broadcasting Program. Elsya : Journal of English Language Studies, 3(3). https://doi.org/10.31849/elsya.v3i3.6671
Hendren, K., Newcomer, K., Pandey, S. K., Smith, M., & Sumner, N. (2023). How qualitative research methods can be leveraged to strengthen mixed methods research in public policy and public administration? Public Administration Review, 83(3), 468–485. https://doi.org/10.1111/PUAR.13528
Hidayati, D., Novianti, H., Khansa, M., Slamet, J., & Suryati, N. (2023). Effectiveness Project-Based Learning in ESP Class: Viewed from Indonesian Students’ Learning Outcomes. International Journal of Information and Education Technology, 13(3), 558–565. https://doi.org/10.18178/ijiet.2023.13.3.1839
Hodges, A., & Seawright, L. (2023). Transnational Technical Communication: English as a Business Lingua Franca in Engineering Workplaces. Business and Professional Communication Quarterly, 86(4), 498–513. https://doi.org/10.1177/23294906231154860
Hutchinson, T., & Waters, A. (1987). English for specific purposes: A learning-centered approach. Cambridge Univ. Press.
Indeed, E. T. (2025, December). What Is a Communication Designer? (With Duties and Skills) [Job site]. Indeed. https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/what-is-communication-designer
Iswahyuni, D. (2021). Embracing social media to improve EFL learners’ English skill. Professional Journal of English Education, 4(4), 704-711. https://doi.org/10.22460/project.v4i4.p704-711
Jubhari, Y., Rosmiaty, & Nurliah. (2022). Needs Analysis in English for Specific Purposes (ESP) for Nursing Students. EDULEC: Education, Language, and Culture Journal, 2(1), 80–86. https://doi.org/10.56314/EDULEC.V2I1.31
Judijanto, L., & Nurhayati, S. (2026). English language proficiency as a driver of safety, certification, and digital transformation in palm oil sector. Multidisciplinary Reviews, 9(9), 2026453. https://doi.org/10.31893/multirev.2026453
Kharisma, A., Wulyani, A. N., & Astuti, U. P. (2022). Students’ Preference of Digital or Printed Books/Reading Materials. J-ELLiT (Journal of English Language, Literature, and Teaching), 5(2), 38. https://doi.org/10.17977/um046v5i22021p38-46
Magyar, A., Habók, A., & Molnár, G. (2022). Exploring the Role of English as a Foreign Language Receptive Skills and Learning Strategy Usage in the Ability to Acquire and Apply Knowledge at the Beginning of Higher Education. Frontiers in Psychology, 13, 808546. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.808546
Mao, F., & Zhou, J. (2024). A needs analysis of ESP courses in colleges of art and design: Consensus and divergence. PLOS ONE, 19(6), e0305210. https://doi.org/10.1371/JOURNAL.PONE.0305210
Marčeta, P., Been, W., & Keune, M. (2024). Turning post-materialism on its head: Self-expression, autonomy and precarity at work in the creative industries. Cultural Trends, 33(5), 600–623. https://doi.org/10.1080/09548963.2023.2241414
Mohd Fisal, F. A., & Mohd Said, N. E. (2023). ESL Pre-university Learners’ Needs Analysis for Web-based English Academic Vocabulary Learning Resource. International Journal of Learning, Teaching and Educational Research, 22(4), 195–216. https://doi.org/10.26803/ijlter.22.4.12
Nasihin, A. (2022). The Impact of Using English Curriculum Design Based on Industry Needs in English Teaching on Vocational School to Improve Students English Skill for Industry Standard Working Communication. Education Quarterly Reviews, 5(1), 138-144.
Nunan, D. (2004). Task-Based Language Teaching. In Task-Based Language Teaching. Cambridge University Press. https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511667336
Nurfaizah, D., Erniyati, Y., & Pranata, O. D. (2024). EFL Student’s Reading Habits in The Digital Era. English Education: Jurnal Tadris Bahasa Inggris, 17(2), 215–232. https://doi.org/10.24042/ee-jtbi.v17i2.22564
Paltridge, Brian., & Starfield, Sue. (2014). The handbook of English for specific purposes. Wiley Blackwell.
Pham, A. T., Thai, C. T. H., & Van Nguyen, T. (2025). Gamified learning in grammar lessons: EFL students’ perceptions of Kahoot! and Quizizz. Acta Psychologica, 259, 105436. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actpsy.2025.105436
Pranoto, B. E., & Suprayogi, S. (2020). A Need Analysis of ESP for Physical Education Students in Indonesia. Premise: Journal of English Education, 9(1), 94. https://doi.org/10.24127/pj.v9i1.2274
Prasittichok, P., & Smithsarakarn, P. (2024). The effects of microlearning on EFL students’ English speaking: A systematic review and meta-analysis. International Journal of Learning, Teaching and Educational Research, 23(4), 525-546. https://doi.org/10.26803/ijlter.23.4.27
Prasittichok, P., & Smithsarakarn, P. (2024). The effects of microlearning on EFL students’ English speaking: A systematic review and meta-analysis. International Journal of Learning, Teaching and Educational Research, 23(4), 525-546. https://doi.org/10.52208/klasikal.v4i2.228
Priyatmojo, A. S., Yuliasri, I., Faridi, A., & Singh, C. K. S. (2026). A Critical Listening Teaching Model with Students’ Self-Mediated Podcast to Enhance Critical Thinking: ARRRIPS Model. QALAMUNA: Jurnal Pendidikan, Sosial, dan Agama, 18(1), 441-458.
Puspitaloka, N., Ambarwati, E. K., Nurjanah, K. D., & Fauziah, D. N. (2024, February). English for specific purpose needs analysis at a vocational high school. In 7th International Conference on Language, Literature, Culture, and Education (ICOLLITE 2023) (pp. 337-342). Atlantis Press. https://doi.org/10.2991/978-94-6463-376-4_43
Putri, A. Y., Abin, R., Suryadi, R., Pratiwi, A., Sultan, Syam, H., & Naing, I. R. (2025). Enhancing Students Listening Skills: The Impact of Podcast Integration in Language Learning. Research Horizon, 5(3), 945–954. https://doi.org/10.54518/rh.5.3.2025.572
Rabello-Mestre, A., Ness, I. J., & Glăveanu, V. P. (2025). Creative learning-a configurative review of features and practices. Thinking Skills and Creativity, 56, 101775.. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tsc.2025.101775
Rizqiani, D. A., & Elida, Y. (2025). An Analysis of EFL Student’s Needs of a Critical Literacy Model. Scope : Journal of English Language Teaching, 9(2), 828. https://doi.org/10.30998/scope.v9i2.25093
Rofik, A., & Ariyani, L. D. (2023). Islamic Broadcasting Communication Students Need Analysis Based on Task-Based Language Teaching for ESP Curriculum Development. SOSHUM : Jurnal Sosial Dan Humaniora, 13(1), 88–100. https://doi.org/10.31940/SOSHUM.V13I1.88-100
Roshid, M. M., Webb, S., & Chowdhury, R. (2022). English as a Business Lingua Franca: A Discursive Analysis of Business E-Mails. International Journal of Business Communication, 59(1), 83–103. https://doi.org/10.1177/2329488418808040
Rosina, H., Virgantina, V., Ayyash, Y., Dwiyanti, V., & Boonsong, S. (2021). Vocational Education Curriculum: Between Vocational Education and Industrial Needs. Asean Journal of Science and Engineering Education. https://doi.org/10.17509/ajsee.v1i2.33400
Royyani, N., & Gozali, A. (2021). Adapting English Teaching to Industry Needs: An Instructional Perspective of Vocational High School Teachers.
Sabarun, S., & Qodir, A. (2022). Exploring needs analysis on developing EFL paragraph writing materials. Era Pustaka Utama.
Safitry, T. S., Siregar, E. B. A., Arrasy, D. G., Akbar, D., & Indrayani, S. (2026). Enhancing Professional Lexical Accuracy Through Self- And Peer-Assessment In Project-Based Learning: Evidence From Mice Education. Educational : Jurnal Inovasi Pendidikan & Pengajaran, 6(2), 862–872. https://doi.org/10.51878/educational.v6i2.10070
Saidova, S. (2022). The Importance of Using Esp Reading Techniques in Students Learning. Current Research Journal of Pedagogics, 10(12), 26–30. https://doi.org/10.37547/pedagogics-crjp-03-12-05
Salam, U., Ikramunnisa, E., Rezeki, Y. S., & Queiroz, C. (2025). Social Media for English Teaching and Learning: A Bibliometric Analysis of Research Publications (2012–2023). International Journal of Pedagogy and Teacher Education, 9(1), 1. https://doi.org/10.20961/ijpte.v9i1.87565
Terra Dewanto, A. C., Setyaningsih, E., & Putra, K. A. (2024). Investigating the Relevance of ESP Materials in Indonesian Vocational Schools: The Voice of Pharmacy Students. Voices of English Language Education Society, 8(1), 14–23. https://doi.org/10.29408/veles.v8i1.24800
Wibawanto, H., Roemintoyo, R., & Rejekiningsih, T. (2021). Indonesian Vocational High School Readiness Toward Society 5.0. Journal of Education Research and Evaluation. https://doi.org/10.23887/jere.v5i1.31567
Wijayanto, P.W., Barlian, Y.A., & Nurbani, S. (2023). Exploring Needs in English Learning Materials for Visual Communication Design Students and Graduates: A Mixed-Methods Approach. REiLA: Journal of Research and Innovation in Language. https://doi.org/10.31849/reila.v5i2.13536
Wulandari, A. et al. (2019). A Need Analysis of English For Specific Purposes (ESP) For Nursing Students At SMKS Kesehatan Kendari. Journal of English Education and Teaching, 3(4), 429–437. https://doi.org/10.33369/jeet.3.4.429-437
Yoto, Y. (2018). Production-Based Curriculum Development in Vocational High Schools for Preparing Skilled Labor in Industry. https://doi.org/10.2991/aptekindo-18.2018.38
Zhang, Q. (2025). Vocational English and General English: A Theoretical Study. Journal of Modern Educational Theory and Practice, 1(3). https://doi.org/10.70767/jmetp.v1i3.470
Zhang, R., Zou, D., Cheng, G., Xie, H., Wang, F. L., & Au, O. T. S. (2021). Target languages, types of activities, engagement, and effectiveness of extramural language learning. PLOS ONE, 16(6), e0253431. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0253431
Zhao, Y. (2023). Research on effective teaching in vocational education from the perspective of school-enterprise cooperation. Region - Educational Research and Reviews, 5(3), 202. https://doi.org/10.32629/RERR.V5I3.1348
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
The author is responsible for acquiring the permission(s) to reproduce any copyrighted figures, tables, data, or text that are being used in the submitted paper. Authors should note that text quotations of more than 250 words from a published or copyrighted work will require grant of permission from the original publisher to reprint. The written permission letter(s) must be submitted together with the manuscript.
