Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.38003/zrffs.17.4
Students’ English Language Proficiency in English-Medium Instruction: Teachers’ Opinions, Perceptions and Practices
Branka Drljača Margić
; University of Rijeka, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
Abstract
The growing internationalisation of higher education is closely intertwined with English-medium instruction (EMI), that is, non-philological study programmes conducted in English in non-English-speaking countries. Although EMI is attributed numerous strengths, such as advancement of English language skills, a matter of concern is the sufficiency of students’ English language proficiency for fruitful engagement in EMI.
This paper aims to investigate teachers’ opinions about the importance of student English language proficiency, language policy, and language support in EMI, their perceptions of the appropriacy of students’ English language command for efficient participation in EMI, and their practices, such as translanguaging, used to address students’ language-related challenges. The study was part of international research on EMI in which structured interviews were conducted with 30 teachers from five European universities – in Copenhagen, Turin, Maastricht, Lleida, and Rijeka. The results reveal similar teachers’ opinions, perceptions, and practices in different higher education contexts. The teachers note that around a third of students do not have English language proficiency that is sufficient for effective studying in English and achieving learning outcomes. What is most problematic for students is grasping the subtleties of the argument and writing in a clear and precise manner.
The findings point to the need for an explicit language policy that would stipulate the required language level for students and pre-empt inadequate language competence to stand in the way of quality learning and teaching in EMI. They also indicate that programmes of language preparation and language support should be provided to students.
Keywords
English-medium instruction (EMI); students; English language proficiency; teachers; language policy; language support; translanguaging
Hrčak ID:
324146
URI
Publication date:
18.12.2024.
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