Spanish as a foreign language course design according to learning needs

Abstract

The teaching of Spanish to foreigners for specific purposes is a relatively new discipline and has some characteristics that differentiate it from the teaching of Spanish in general.   In this sense, this type of teaching is gaining more and more importance for socioeconomic and social reasons because more and more people are interested in learning a language focused on a specific purpose, as in the case discussed in this systematization in which attention was given to students with specific purposes. Hence, the main objective of this work is to describe the learning process and research on the learning needs of the target group to learn Spanish, who as a whole had clearly defined needs, focused on economic and social issues, since they are a group dedicated to the construction of horizontal works. The research was conducted using a qualitative approach. This methodology allowed the application of instruments and techniques with which it was possible to have a significant and direct impact on the target group (trainees). For the collection of information, an in-depth interview questionnaire was used to characterize the target group. To process the information obtained, the actions were divided into three fundamental phases, and interpretative analysis and characterization of elements were also used, for which a double-entry matrix was prepared, as well as analysis of the discourses. Theoretical and empirical methods made it possible to carry out an integral analysis (radiography) of the target group. The information triangulation technique was also applied and the relationship between the group's objectives and the contents to be developed was considered. The results of this research led to the proposal of a new line of research: a proposal or design of a course with specific purposes, especially for the personnel of the requesting institution.