English medium instruction in higher education
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Global Growth and Motivations for English Medium Instruction in Higher Education
English Medium Instruction (EMI) in higher education has rapidly expanded worldwide, driven by the internationalization of universities and the perceived value of English as a global language for academic and professional advancement Macaro2017Lasagabaster2022Macaro2020+2 MORE. Universities see EMI as a way to attract international students, enhance global competitiveness, and respond to economic and political pressures Lasagabaster2022Macaro2020Bacovsky-Novak2023+1 MORE. This trend is evident across continents, although the implementation and quality of EMI programs vary significantly between regions and institutions Macaro2017Bacovsky-Novak2023Dimova2015.
Stakeholder Perspectives and Implementation Challenges
Both students and teachers generally view EMI positively, recognizing its potential to improve English proficiency and open up international opportunities Lasagabaster2022Bacovsky-Novak2023. However, there are widespread concerns about the adequacy of language skills among both groups, the lack of clear policy guidelines, and the risk of excluding certain social groups from higher education due to language barriers Macaro2017Macaro2020Bacovsky-Novak2023+1 MORE. Teachers, in particular, express a need for professional development and certification to effectively deliver content in English, but face challenges in achieving competencies beyond basic language proficiency Breeze2021Macaro2019.
Impact on Language and Content Learning
Research on the effectiveness of EMI in improving English language skills and maintaining content learning outcomes is inconclusive. While some studies suggest that EMI can enhance English proficiency without harming content learning, the evidence is not strong enough to make definitive claims Macaro2017Lasagabaster2022Macaro2020. There is also a lack of detailed research on classroom practices that lead to successful language and content integration .
Policy, Language Ideology, and Multilingual Contexts
The introduction of EMI often raises complex issues related to language policy, language ecology, and the status of local languages in multilingual societies Bacovsky-Novak2023Rahman2020Dimova2015. Careful policy planning is needed to prevent the marginalization of local languages and to ensure that EMI supports rather than undermines linguistic diversity Bacovsky-Novak2023Rahman2020. The motivations for adopting EMI are not only academic but also financial and ideological, reflecting broader trends in globalization and higher education policy Bacovsky-Novak2023Rahman2020.
Professional Development, Evaluation, and Best Practices
There is a recognized need for ongoing professional development for EMI teachers, focusing on both language proficiency and inclusive teaching practices that address cultural and linguistic diversity in the classroom Breeze2021Thumvichit2024Macaro2019. However, there is no universal agreement on the competencies required for effective EMI teaching or on standardized certification processes . Recent efforts to evaluate EMI programs, such as the EMI-QE instrument, highlight strengths like lecturer confidence and language support, but also reveal gaps in communication and cultural sensitivity .
Conclusion
English Medium Instruction in higher education is a complex and rapidly evolving phenomenon. While it offers significant opportunities for internationalization and language development, it also presents challenges related to policy, equity, teacher preparedness, and the preservation of local languages. More research is needed to identify effective classroom practices and to develop clear guidelines for program evaluation and teacher certification. Careful planning and inclusive policies are essential to ensure that EMI benefits all stakeholders in diverse educational contexts.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
A systematic review of English medium instruction in higher education
English medium instruction in higher education has potential benefits for language learning, but current research evidence is insufficient to confirm its clear benefits or detrimental effects on content learning.
Shifting Towards English Medium Instruction in Higher Education
English medium instruction in higher education offers opportunities and challenges for both students and teachers, with multilingual and multicultural classrooms presenting unique pedagogical challenges.
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The increasing use of English medium instruction in higher education
English Medium Instruction (EMI) is growing in higher education, but challenges remain in implementing it, promoting diverse English varieties, and ensuring its effectiveness without negatively impacting content learning.
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Review of Lasagabaster (2022): English-Medium Instruction in Higher Education
English-medium instruction in higher education has a global reach, but careful policy planning is necessary to mitigate domain loss of local languages and ensure positive stakeholder views.
Teaching English-Medium Instruction Courses in Higher Education
Non-native English-speaking higher education lecturers can effectively deliver lectures and interact with students in English by preparing for lectures, promoting creativity, critical thinking, and evaluating written student work.
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