English for Food Technology: A Need Analysis and Its Implications for Certification Design
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31849/ycyday78Keywords:
English for Food Technology, ESP Certification, Cognitive Approach, CDA, Cognitive Diagnostic AssessmentAbstract
This study investigates the English language needs of employees in the food technology industry and explores their implications for certification program design. With globalization and increasing international standards, food and beverage companies are required to comply with technical documentation and safety procedures that are often presented in English. Therefore, identifying specific language skills relevant to the industry becomes a crucial foundation for curriculum and certification development. The research was conducted at PT Marimas Putera Kencana, Semarang, using a needs analysis framework that combined questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, and pilot testing of assessment instruments. Data collection involved production staff, quality control personnel, and supervisors, providing a comprehensive overview of English use in daily operations. Findings indicate that employees require competencies in four primary areas: food safety English, food processing instructions, hygiene and sanitation communication, and technical reporting. Challenges were most evident in writing technical documents and oral communication during workplace interactions. Based on these findings, the study proposes a certification model structured across three levels—basic, intermediate, and advanced—aligned with Bloom’s taxonomy to ensure cognitive progression. To enhance diagnostic precision, the model integrates Cognitive Diagnostic Assessment (CDA), enabling identification of specific strengths and weaknesses across sub-skills such as vocabulary, reading comprehension, writing, and problem-solving communication. Overall, this study underscores the importance of integrating cognitive approaches into English for Specific Purposes (ESP) certification design, ensuring that certification outcomes are directly relevant to the demands of the food technology industry.
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