The challenges of EMI for art and design students in the UAE

Document Type

Article

Source of Publication

ELT Journal

Publication Date

1-29-2022

Abstract

While there are a variety of reasons for implementing English medium instruction (EMI) at higher-education institutions (HEIs) worldwide, this decision is often made without consideration of its potential impact on student learning. Federal HEIs in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are no exception. With English language admission standards at between 5.0 and 5.5 IELTS, students are frequently challenged to successfully complete the tasks required of them and faculty can be frustrated by the level of work they receive. This article describes the findings of a research project, conducted with Emirati art and design students at one of these HEIs, which identified challenges experienced by students and faculty in an EMI setting. A subsequent initiative investigating writing genres students need to be familiar with is also discussed. Finally, collaboratively developed teaching materials are also described. With appropriate contextual modifications, these initiatives could be replicated in EMI contexts elsewhere.

ISSN

0951-0893

Publisher

Oxford University Press (OUP)

Volume

76

Issue

2

First Page

238

Last Page

249

Disciplines

Education

Keywords

genre pedagogy, art and design, EMI student challenges, writing materials development, language across the curriculum

Scopus ID

85130027533

Indexed in Scopus

yes

Open Access

no

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