Designing a Task-Based and Competency-Oriented College General English Listening Course Using English Pop Songs: A Learner Needs Analysis

This study investigates learner needs analysis for developing an English listening course utilizing pop songs in Korean college general education, focusing on competency-based curriculum development. The research examines how pop songs can serve as an innovative educational medium for developing both language skills and core competencies including problem-solving, self-directed learning, digital literacy, and global communication skills. A mixed-method survey conducted with 159 college students revealed strong preferences for performance-based assessment through portfolios and team projects, emphasizing integrated language learning approaches. The findings suggest the necessity of transforming traditional English education into a learner-centered, competency-based curriculum that incorporates digital tools and cultural understanding. This study provides empirical foundations for developing English courses that enhance both language proficiency and essential competencies required in the global era, with significant implications for curriculum developers in designing innovative English education programs.