NEEDS ANALYSIS

Munby's model consists of two stages: Communication Needs Processor (CNP) and the interpretation of the profile of needs derived from the CNP in terms of micro-skills and micro-functions. The CNP is set out under eight variables that 'affect communication needs by organising them as parameters in a dynamic relationship to each other' (p32). The CNP operates by looking at its 'inputs' - the foreign language participant - and information concerning the participant's identity and language. Then it requires information on the eight variables: purposive domain, setting, interaction, instrumentality, dialect, target level, communicative event, and communicative key. In the second stage of the model, the user must take the activities with their communicative keys and decide which of three alternative ways of processing them is appropriate. The alternatives are:
**specification of syllabus content by focusing on micro-skills
**specification by focusing on micro-functions
**specification by focusing on linguistic forms

Obviously, Munby explores thoroughly every aspect relating to learner's needs. His work is probably the most detailed and complex as well as informative. He thinks of the unthinkable and proves to be very thoughtful in the work. This analysis of Munby's approach focuses on the aspects of communication he emphasises and the assumptions regarding the roles of language, the learner, the syllabus, the teacher that lie behind his design. He emphasises all equal on:

- Purpose;
- Medium/mode/channel of communication;
- Sociolinguistic aspects;
- Linguistics;
- Pragmatics.

This indicates that he is taking into account language and culture and communication purpose, but pays no attention to implementation (activities, resources, and classroom dynamics). He also seems to assure a very teacher-directed method, in which students' inputs about purpose are superficial and only required at the beginning of the course. It is clear that his emphasis on text and his categorisation rely on his intuition.
(Written by Phan Le Ha) http://www.asian-efl-journal.com/pta_october_07_plh.php