The Center for Bilingual Education (CBE) designed a questionnaire titled “How do you like my course?” to identify a suitable EMI model for NTU students, investigate their EMI learning habits and needs, and explore the potential for promoting EMI learning. The questionnaire serves two main purposes: to gain a deeper understanding of our students’ needs and to provide EMI teachers with clear guidance for instructional planning.
In April 2023, the CBE distributed a two-month questionnaire emphasizing three aspects: self-evaluation of English proficiency, study habits and strategies, and learning difficulties. Participants could reference any EMI courses they had attended. A total of 1,373 valid responses, spanning 381 courses, were collected. Most respondents were college students whose native language is Mandarin.
The results indicated that the majority of NTU students enrolled in EMI courses had achieved an English proficiency level of B2 or higher. Remarkably, all participants voiced similar concerns: understanding the lectures and engaging in class discussions. These were the main challenges faced by students in EMI courses.
The survey results highlighted the exceptional potential and enthusiasm NTU students have for tackling challenges. Given the high value students place on their learning outcomes, EMI teachers have focused on refining the standards and methods for evaluating learning effectiveness. Additionally, students express a strong desire for independent learning by seeking other resources beyond the curriculum. The survey also indicated that students were highly motivated when provided with supplementary materials or information before EMI classes. This prompts us to consider whether independent EMI learning could be an effective strategy for bilingual education in tertiary institutions, further enhancing students’ learning abilities.
The CBE not only shared the survey results with NTU’s teachers but also presented this topic at the 2024 Asia-Pacific Association for International Education (APAIE) Conference, showcasing NTU’s experiences.
Professor Shih-Torng Ding, NTU’s Vice Principal and Director of the CBE, explains the college’s bilingual policy to representatives from its College of Medicine.
CBE shares the findings from the “How do you like my course?” questionnaire with NTU’s teachers.
Students who participated in the survey stated that resources beyond of the curriculum contributed to the learning effectiveness of EMI courses.
