Needs analysis on English speaking skills: a comparison study between students studying in a private and a public university

This study investigates the barriers and needs in English-speaking skills among Thai EFL (English as a Foreign Language) undergraduates from both a private and a public university in Bangkok, Thailand. The primary objectives are to identify and explore the specific needs and obstacles students face and their requirements for improving English-speaking proficiency. Utilizing a survey methodology, data were collected from 60 undergraduate English majors, with equal representation from each type of university. The questionnaire, which included a five-point Likert scale, multiple-choice questions, and open-ended questions, was distributed to the participants. The data were then analyzed using the SPSS program.The results indicated that students from both public and private universities share some common needs and barriers while also exhibiting distinct differences. Students from the public university primarily need English-speaking skills for travel and struggle with using complex English sentence structures. In contrast, students from the private university need English-speaking skills for career opportunities and face emotional barriers such as anxiety and shyness.