Exploring challenges in academic language-related skills of EFL learners in Chinese EMI settings

Abstract

Chinese universities have placed increasing emphasis, on incorporating English as a medium of instruction (EMI) courses to enhance their competitiveness both nationally and internationally. However, the successful implementation of these courses requires learners to acquire content knowledge. To promote EMI courses, specific initiatives and policies have been put in place by universities reflecting a trend in the globalization of higher education and the growing demand for English proficiency in academic settings. Despite the attention given to education in Chinese society, many learners are not adequately prepared to overcome challenges associated with EMI classes. This leads to inefficiencies and drawbacks within the educational system. For instance, some learners struggle with understanding subject matter due to language barriers or encounter difficulties fully engaging with course materials because of language related challenges. This study aims to fill a significant research gap by providing a comprehensive exploration of the main challenges faced by learners in the Chinese EMI context and by highlighting the crucial contribution of EMI courses to China's higher education competitiveness internationally. By identifying factors and variables that can predict success in EMI contexts, particularly by studying learners' academic language-related skills as potential predictors of EMI success, this study offers novel insights into the impact of EMI courses on China's position in the global academic arena. A total of 361 male and female EFL learners participated in the study and completed the EMI Challenges Scale. The data analysis, including descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression, revealed that writing, reading, and listening skills significantly predicted success in EMI. Writing emerged as the best predictor, explaining 28.19 % of the variance in EMI success, followed by reading (19.54 %). The results of this study contribute to current debates on international affairs of higher education by not only illustrating the problems students face in EMI courses, but also providing important suggestions for improving the learning environment on EMI language in China. This leads to ongoing debates about the globalization of higher education and the need for English proficiency in academic settings. In addition, the results of this study are useful for teachers and policy makers; it emphasizes the importance of improving EMI learners' writing, reading, and listening skills in EMI learners to enhance their success in academic settings. In particular, they may consider implementing language development programs and provide EMI learners with additional support to improve their writing, reading and listening skills. This study also highlights the need for appropriate support and resources to address the specific language challenges faced by EMI students, paving the way for better instructional strategies and guidelines in Chinese EMI terms.

Keywords: Academic language-related skills; Chinese learners; English medium instruction (EMI); Scholastic circumstances; learners' success.