The previous chapter referred to the use of questionnaires in surveys of students' language and study skills difficulties. In this chapter we shall be looking at some of these surveys and other investigations, and the information that they provide about difficulties and needs. In some cases, the surveys focus on one or two language or study skills, in others, they encompass a wide range. Most of the investigations looked at are in the UK and the USA, as more has been reported from these countries, but a few others are also included. The students who are reported on are from most parts of the world. The research findings provide a necessary background for later issues, particularly those involving syllabus and course design, and the use of appropriate materials. They also give ideas for the type of investigations that can be conducted, and possible areas for further research.

Surveys: a note of caution

A number of surveys are reported below; they seem, at times, to show different results or different emphases. Care needs to be taken in interpreting the results to ensure that you are comparing like with like. Clearly, students in different countries may have different difficulties and needs, just as students studying different subjects may.