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Experiences and Challenges of an English as a Medium of Instruction Course in Taiwan during COVID-19

Author

Listed:
  • Shih-Ling Lin

    (Graduate Institute of Educational Leadership and Development, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City 24205, Taiwan)

  • Tzu-Hsing Wen

    (Office of Teacher Education and Careers Services, National Taichung University of Education, Taichung City 403454, Taiwan)

  • Gregory S. Ching

    (Graduate Institute of Educational Leadership and Development, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City 24205, Taiwan
    Research and Development Center for Physical Education, Health, and Information Technology, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City 24205, Taiwan)

  • Yu-Chen Huang

    (Bachelor’s Program in Educational Leadership and Technology Development, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City 24205, Taiwan)

Abstract

Recently, Taiwan’s higher education has been impacted by COVID-19 and the necessity of English as a Medium of Instruction (EMI). In 2018, the Taiwanese government approved a roadmap for the development of a bilingual nation by 2030. This resulted in a renewed focus on EMI. However, the fluctuating surges of COVID-19 have caused university classes to shift from face-to-face to online. To assess its effectiveness, the current paper describes the quantitative and qualitative experiences and challenges associated with a blended EMI course within a private Taiwanese university. The data was collected from the students in the spring semester of 2020 (40 students) and 2021 (23 students). Overall satisfaction rate is calculated at 4.13; indicating that the transition from face-to-face to online has not affected the students’ overall satisfaction with the course. In addition, interviews and focus groups respondents pointed out the importance of a student-centered course approach and the opportunity to practice English in order to improve their competitiveness. While the flexibility offered by the blended learning approach during COVID-19 has given students more freedom to learn at their own pace. Lastly, in times of uncertainty, a careful pedagogical design will help to make the learning process fruitful and sustainable.

Suggested Citation

  • 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.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:24:p:12920-:d:697291
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