Janet Weng (Wenzao Ursuline University of Languages, Taiwan)
Abstract
To enhance internationalization and national competitiveness, Taiwan's government has launched the "Blueprint for Developing Taiwan into a Bilingual Nation by 2030," advocating for English-medium instruction (EMI) in higher education. In this study, I investigate the teaching competence of Taiwanese EMI instructors from students' perspectives to identify strengths and weaknesses. My mixed-methods approach, including surveys, interviews, and observations, involved 221 students from eight universities, both public and private. I assessed five dimensions of EMI teaching competencies using 18 items, with SPSS analysis confirming the tool's reliability. Findings indicate that all five dimensions scored above upper intermediate on a 5-point Likert scale, with language ability ranked highest and interactions lowest. Qualitative data revealed the need for more scaffolding through translanguaging and multimodal teaching, as well as increased interaction and emotional support to alleviate student anxiety. I conclude the study with recommendations for future EMI training programs.
Research Paper (In person; 25 minutes)
Content-Based Instruction / EMI / CLIL
General Interest
About the Presenter
Janet Weng is an associate professor in the Department of English at Wenzao Ursuline University of Languages in Taiwan. With a strong focus on intercultural learning, English learning and education, adult learning, and English-medium instruction (EMI), her research interests are diverse and wide-ranging. She can be contacted via email at 89012@gap.wzu.edu.tw.
