The Effect of the English Medium Instruction Based on Students' English Levels - Focusing on English Communication Ability, Learning Difficulty and GPA

Abstract

This study aims at analyzing the effects of English Medium Instruction(EMI) on English communication ability, learning difficulties and academic achievement(GPA) of university students. The authors carry out a longitudinal analysis and a regression analysis to find causal relations between the EMI and other related variables using the Korean Education Panel Data 2005-2006. The analytical results show that EMI has the positive effect on the improvement of students' English communication ability. Specifically, the effect of the EMI is differentiated according to students' level of English fluency. Moreover, the effect of the EMI is also influenced by English learning environments and learning support programs including the content of language program, mentor system, and student counseling. Based on these results, the authors suggest that the universities should develop effective teaching strategies and methods considering the learners' characteristics and his/her level of English fluency along with the adoption of the EMI to improve the university students' English communication abilities.