The Perceptions of Thai Tertiary-Level Engineering Learners and Teachers towards English As Medium Instruction

Abstract

This study aimed to (1) investigate the perceptions of Thai tertiary-level Engineering learners and teachers towards English as Medium Instruction (EMI) and (2) explore the extent to which learners and teachers of Thai tertiary-level Engineering learners and teachers use EMI. This research applied a mixed method to understand the perception of the learners and teachers. This research was divided into two phases. The first phase was completely done by conducting a survey. A five-point rating scale questionnaire was distributed to 214 learners and 65 teachers to investigate the perceptions of learners and teachers of Thai tertiary-level Engineering learners and teachers towards EMI. The samples were selected through the purposive sampling method. Descriptive statistics analysis was calculated to indicate the level of perception of learners and teachers. The second phase applied a semi-structured interview to explore learners’ and teachers' in-depth perceptions of using EMI in engineering classes. There were 4 learners and 4 teachers who participated in the interview section. The interview data were analyzed by using coding and thematic analysis. The results revealed that logistic Engineering is the highest program that students studying in the 3rd year get to do. The logistic field has become a famous industry, especially in international business. Therefore, this may be the reason that caused learners interested in choosing to learn in this field, and the 3rd year students are in the period of preparation to graduate. Also, generally, lecturers found that their students can take notes, read academic texts, interact, and listen through EMI instruction. Taking all of this into consideration, this study provides suggestions for EMI to develop further in Thailand’s higher education institutions as all the lecturers have voiced similar positive points on the importance of EMI implementation.

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