ERIC Number: EJ1049703
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2015-Feb
Pages: 21
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1568-4555
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
English as a Medium of Instruction in the Gulf: When Students and Teachers Speak
Belhiah, Hassan; Elhami, Maha
Language Policy, v14 n1 p3-23 Feb 2015
This study explores the effectiveness of English as a medium of instruction (EMI) in the Arabian/Persian Gulf, with special focus on the situation in the United Arab Emirates. The study, undertaken at six universities located in major cities of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Al Ain, Sharjah, Ajman, and Ras Al Khaimah, examines students' and teachers' perceptions about the use of English to teach subject matter. A total of 500 students and 100 teachers responded via survey questionnaires and structured interviews about the effectiveness of EMI. Results suggest that the current EMI situation leaves much to be desired with students struggling to learn the subject matter due to their low-proficiency in English. This paper suggests implementing a bilingual curriculum in which instruction is delivered in English and Arabic in order to enhance students' linguistic and biliteracy skills. The study has implications for language education policy issues in the Gulf and advocates bilingual education as a means to improving students' mastery of English, while preserving their national identity and indigenous culture.
Descriptors: English (Second Language), Second Language Learning, Bilingual Education, Semitic Languages, Self Concept, Instructional Effectiveness, Foreign Countries, Teacher Attitudes, College Students, College Faculty, Student Attitudes, Literacy, Bilingualism, Language Proficiency, Course Content, Curriculum, Educational Strategies, Teaching Methods, Language of Instruction
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: United Arab Emirates
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A