International Students' Learning Needs for Developing an Outcome-Based BIPA Curriculum
Abstract
The increasing internationalization of higher education has highlighted the need for BIPA (Bahasa Indonesia bagi Penutur Asing) programs that are responsive to the diverse learning needs of international students. This study aimed to investigate international students' learning needs as the foundation for developing an Outcome-Based BIPA curriculum at Universitas Negeri Medan. A mixed-methods needs analysis was employed, involving five international students selected through purposive sampling. Quantitative data were collected using a 15-item Likert-scale questionnaire based on (Hutchinson & Waters, 1987) framework of necessities, lacks, and wants, while qualitative data were obtained through semi-structured interviews to support and explain the survey findings. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were used to analyze the data. The findings revealed consistently high levels of agreement across the three dimensions of needs analysis (overall mean ranging from 4.56 to 4.84), indicating that students highly valued communicative competence, cultural integration, authentic learning experiences, clearly defined learning outcomes, and performance-based assessment. The study demonstrates that learners' necessities, lacks, and wants provide valuable empirical evidence for aligning curriculum outcomes, learning experiences, and assessment within an Outcome-Based Education framework. These findings contribute to BIPA curriculum development by extending the application of needs analysis beyond instructional material design and offering practical insights for developing learner-centered and competency-based BIPA programs.
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