Abstract
This article explores the relationship between course performance, English
language proficiency, motivation, and academic language skills in an English
medium instruction (EMI) university context. It analyses test and questionnaire
data from 146 students from an EMI business program at a Japanese university,
and follow-up interviews with seven students. Proficiency test and subject exam
scores revealed that knowledge of English language and academic English skill
were statistically significant predictors of success in EMI, suggesting that lower
proficiency students require more targeted language support in order to increase
their likelihood of success. A motivation measure did not correlate with higher
grades, contradicting research in language learning contexts. Interview data
uncovered the multi-faceted nature of ‘success in EMI’ suggesting that students
see success as a combination of final grades, lecture comprehension, English
language proficiency gains, and long-term career advancement.
language proficiency, motivation, and academic language skills in an English
medium instruction (EMI) university context. It analyses test and questionnaire
data from 146 students from an EMI business program at a Japanese university,
and follow-up interviews with seven students. Proficiency test and subject exam
scores revealed that knowledge of English language and academic English skill
were statistically significant predictors of success in EMI, suggesting that lower
proficiency students require more targeted language support in order to increase
their likelihood of success. A motivation measure did not correlate with higher
grades, contradicting research in language learning contexts. Interview data
uncovered the multi-faceted nature of ‘success in EMI’ suggesting that students
see success as a combination of final grades, lecture comprehension, English
language proficiency gains, and long-term career advancement.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Article number | CSHE 1590690 |
| Pages (from-to) | 1-14 |
| Number of pages | 14 |
| Journal | Studies in Higher Education |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 18 Mar 2019 |
Keywords
- Japan
- English Medium Instruction
- proficiency
- motivation
- English for specific purposes
