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A Systematic Literature Synthesis of 19 Years of Bilingual Education in Chinese Higher Education: Where Does the Academic Discourse Stand?

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  • Fuhui Tong
  • Zhuoying Wang
  • Yue Min
  • Shifang Tang

Abstract

In this three-phase, systematic review, we comprehensively synthesize research on bilingual education in higher education institutions over a 19-year period, starting from the initiation of this top-down educational provision across mainland China. In this context, although English has no official status, it is highly regarded and widely used as a medium of instruction alongside Chinese. We critically examine studies ( n = 1,632) published in both English and Chinese outlets on academic discourse that deliberate on what was studied, how it was studied , and what the publication trend was . We argue that scholarly attention should continue to revolve around the benefits of bilingual programs, due to the lack of rigorous empirical evidence that attests to the effectiveness of bilingual education in Chinese higher education. Our review echoes similar research syntheses conducted in Europe and worldwide and is, therefore, expected to shed light on the policy implications and the practice of bilingual education in higher education on a global scale. Recommendations for future research are provided.

Suggested Citation

  • Fuhui Tong & Zhuoying Wang & Yue Min & Shifang Tang, 2020. "A Systematic Literature Synthesis of 19 Years of Bilingual Education in Chinese Higher Education: Where Does the Academic Discourse Stand?," SAGE Open, , vol. 10(2), pages 21582440209, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:sagope:v:10:y:2020:i:2:p:2158244020926510
    DOI: 10.1177/2158244020926510
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Rebecca Hughes, 2008. "Internationalisation of Higher Education and Language Policy: Questions of Quality and Equity," Higher Education Management and Policy, OECD Publishing, vol. 20(1), pages 1-18.
    2. Haitao Guo & Fuhui Tong & Zhuoying Wang & Yue Min & Shifang Tang, 2018. "English- vs. Chinese-Medium Instruction in Chinese Higher Education: A Quasi-Experimental Comparison," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(11), pages 1-17, November.
    3. Fuhui Tong & Yue Min & Yi-chun Liu & Haitao Guo, 2017. "Measuring Self-Identity Change Related to English Language Learning and Bilingual Education among Chinese-Speaking College Students: An Exploratory Study," Asian Journal of Education and Training, Asian Online Journal Publishing Group, vol. 3(2), pages 135-146.
    4. Fuhui Tong & Yue Min & Yi-chun Liu & Haitao Guo, 2017. "Measuring Self-Identity Change Related to English Language Learning and Bilingual Education among Chinese-Speaking College Students: An Exploratory Study," Asian Journal of Education and Training, Asian Online Journal Publishing Group, vol. 3(2), pages 135-146.
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    Cited by:

    1. Jian-E Peng & Xiaowen (Serina) Xie, 2021. "English-Medium Instruction as a Pedagogical Strategy for the Sustainable Development of EFL Learners in the Chinese Context: A Meta-Analysis of Its Effectiveness," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(10), pages 1-20, May.
    2. Shih-Ling Lin & Tzu-Hsing Wen & Gregory S. Ching & Yu-Chen Huang, 2021. "Experiences and Challenges of an English as a Medium of Instruction Course in Taiwan during COVID-19," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(24), pages 1-21, December.
    3. Xiaozhou (Emily) Zhou & Chenke Li & Xuesong (Andy) Gao, 2021. "Towards a Sustainable Classroom Ecology: Translanguaging in English as a Medium of Instruction (EMI) in a Finance Course at an International School in Shanghai," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(19), pages 1-14, September.
    4. Songcun Zhang & Zuwati Hasim, 2023. "Perceptions and Coping Strategies in English Writing Among Chinese Study-Abroad Graduate Students," SAGE Open, , vol. 13(3), pages 21582440231, July.
    5. Yang Liu, 2022. "Paradigmatic Compatibility Matters: A Critical Review of Qualitative-Quantitative Debate in Mixed Methods Research," SAGE Open, , vol. 12(1), pages 21582440221, March.
    6. Zhao Li & Yujing Chu & Hang Fang, 2022. "Hierarchical Education Investment and Economic Growth in China," SAGE Open, , vol. 12(2), pages 21582440221, June.

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