Investigating Student Engagement in a Recently Implemented English as a Medium of Instruction (EMI) Setting.

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the effect of implementing English as a Medium of Instruction (EMI) on first-year computer science students’ engagement at the Abdelhafid Boussouf University Center in Mila, Algeria. To gather comprehensive insights, this research employs two questionnaires designed for both computer science students and teachers at the University Centre of Mila. The collected data are analyzed using the mixed methods approach. The results show that both students and teachers recognize the importance of using EMI in higher education. However, the findings also highlight the significant challenge in implementing EMI, primarily due to insufficient language proficiency among both students and teachers which, in turn, impacts student engagement negatively. Furthermore, the data analysis reve<als that student low engagement is also caused by unsatisfactory support provided by teachers and a lack of enjoyment and interest. The study also suggests methods for enhancing the implementation of English as a medium of instruction, underscoring the need for careful planning and preparation prior to implementation.