The Perceptions of Thai Tertiary-Level Engineering Students and Lecturers towards English as a Medium of Instruction

Abstract

This study examined the perceptions of Thai Tertiary-Level Engineering students and lecturers using English as a Medium of Instruction (EMI). Two study questions were formulated. They were 1) What are the perceptions of Thai Tertiary-Level Engineering students and lecturers using English as a Medium of Instruction (EMI); 2) How do Thai tertiary-level Engineering students and lecturers use English as a Medium of Instruction. The data for this study was gained through using a questionnaire with a 5-rating scale and by conducting interviews. This study was carried out with two hundred fourteen Engineering students and sixty-five lecturers at one of the universities in Northeastern Thailand. To complete the data analysis, descriptive statistics were employed to analyze the quantitative data, while the qualitative data was explored using discourse analysis. The findings indicated that according to students’ perceptions, they felt that they had needed to study harder when required to learn a subject in English in the international program (x=4.46, S.D.= 0.67). Although it had been more difficult, the students were able to identify specific reasons for studying in the international program. Meanwhile, based on the lecturers’ perception figures, they believed that EMI could provide students with the skills necessary for a successful life in business after graduating from the university (x=4.48, S.D.= 0.68). Moreover, the lecturers argued that the study of Engineering requires a different level of English proficiency. Hence, EMI can help students to better prepare to acquire sufficient skills. The implication of the study is that the implementation of EMI could benefit students by providing them with learning experiences that could promote greater proficiency, which is needed in the workplace. Therefore, creating and conducting an EMI preparatory program for students and lecturers is an urgent matter. Such a program would allow them to become more qualified and would encourage them to better comprehend the specific purposes of learning by incorporating EMI.