ESPSIG: The role of language in English Medium Instruction

Join IATEFL English for Specific Purposes SIG, Ernesto Macaro and Heath Rose for this webinar on the role of language in English Medium Instruction (EMI).

The importance of input and interaction, and the language therein, has not only been demonstrated in the field of Applied Linguistics but also in the field of Education although, as yet, the two fields have rarely talked to each other. That they should engage in a theoretical and empirical dialogue is probably nowhere more evident than in the context of English Medium Instruction in Higher Education. This presentation will touch on: the role of vocabulary knowledge in comprehension; the explanation of difficult concepts; the advantages and disadvantages of codeswitching; the kinds of competencies that EMI teachers are likely to need. We will also explore the importance of English for Specific Academic Purposes (ESAP) in terms of its role in supporting student success in EMI programs, particularly in contexts where students’ are encountering EMI for the first time. We will draw on our recent research in Japan and China to highlight language support systems that promote better educational outcomes for EMI students, and raise students’ overall self-efficacy. Based on this evidence, we make an argument for greater provision of integrated, discipline-specific language courses for certain segments of the student population.

Ernesto Macaro is Emeritus Professor of Applied Linguistics at the University of Oxford in the Department of Education. His current research focuses on second language learning strategies and on the interaction between teachers and learners in second language classrooms or in classrooms where English is the Medium of Instruction. He has published widely on these topics (particularly Macaro, E. (2018) English Medium Instruction: Language and content in policy and practice. Oxford University Press) and has frequently offered workshops on English Medium Instruction.

Heath Rose is Associate Professor of Applied Linguistics in the Department of Education at the University of Oxford, where he is also co-ordinator of the EMI Oxford Research Group. His previous English-medium instruction research has included policy-related research in Japan, and explorations of success indicators in EMI programmes. He has also led a British Council China project which explored EMI policy in practice. He has authored several books associated with the impact of globalisation on language teaching including Global Englishes for Language Teaching (Cambridge, 2019).

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