Analysis of English language needs of grade 12 learners in Lebanon

The Lebanese curriculum which was designed in 1997 has not changed until the moment of writing this research. Therefore, how can a curriculum be considered successful if it does not connect positively to the student's life, culture, or reality? A newly updated curriculum that caters to the students' society and future is an obligation that has to be fulfilled by educators and policymakers. Accordingly, the initial step that should be undertaken is performıng a needs assessment; a key element in the curriculum development process and its foundation. This research aims to determine the language needs of English Second Language Learners (ESL) in grade 12 in Lebanese public schools and to identify the gaps between the current curriculum and the student's language needs. Hence, this research aims to answer the following main question: What are the English language teaching needs of Grade 12 ESL students in Lebanon? A case study approach was utilized for the implementation of this study where document analysis, a questionnaire and interviews were conducted. The purpose was to provide a deeper understanding of the English language needs of 12th-grade students in their studies and their high education. Consequently, this research has identified the English language requirements of grade 12 in all four language skills: reading, listening, speaking, and writing in relevance to the current students' needs. Moreover, it has shed light on the challenges confronting the educational system in Lebanon and proposed a range of actionable suggestions to enhance the teaching and learning of English in the country. The study revealed the existence of several important issues; one of them is the unequal distribution of thinking skills among all branches and the lack of focus on higher-order thinking skills. The research revealed widespread dissatisfaction with the program on behalf of both teachers and students. Many gaps and inconsistencies were identified between the general targets the Ministry of National Education set and the reality. The curriculum's overall objectives do not seem to meet the intended purpose.