To enhance the effectiveness of English as a Medium of Instruction (EMI) and deepen teachers’ understanding of contemporary students’ learning attitudes and effective teaching strategies, the International College of Innovation (ICI) recently hosted an EMI internal training workshop. The workshop was structured into a morning keynote session and an afternoon curriculum development discussion. Distinguished Chair Professor Keith Sai-tao TONG from National Pingtung University was invited as the keynote speaker, engaging the entire ICI faculty in an exploration of practical experiences and future directions in EMI teaching.
Learning Attitudes and Teaching Strategies: Challenges and Opportunities in EMI Classrooms
At the beginning of the event, Professor TONG invited teachers to share their insights and challenges in EMI teaching. Participants observed that while EMI classrooms provide students with an international learning environment, students’ diverse backgrounds also lead to variations in learning styles and adaptability. For example, local students, though ranking in the top 5% in English proficiency, tend to be less active in class participation, whereas international students from various countries are generally more proactive. Promoting active student engagement in an EMI environment has thus become a key concern for teachers.
Professor TONG emphasized that the core of EMI teaching lies in knowledge construction through English, rather than merely focusing on grammar and vocabulary acquisition. Therefore, teachers should help students develop proficiency in academic sentence structures and specialized vocabulary while encouraging them to think in their native language during research but ultimately produce their work in English. Additionally, to address challenges in academic writing, teachers can leverage digital tools such as ChatGPT to provide writing models and formatting guidelines, helping students grasp the structure and tone of academic writing and gradually build their academic confidence through structured scaffolding.
During the event, ICI teachers and Professor TONG engaged in in-depth discussions on several key issues, including strategies for integrating English for Academic Purposes (EAP) and English for Specific Purposes (ESP) in EMI courses, as well as potential collaborations with language centers or English departments to address students’ deficiencies in academic writing and professional terminology usage. They also examined strategies for adapting teaching approaches to students of varying proficiency levels to enhance reading comprehension and learning motivation. The discussions revealed notable differences in students’ receptiveness to traditional academic texts. Some students found it challenging to engage with purely textual learning modes and preferred visual media (such as videos, images, and digital resources) to aid in understanding academic content. This phenomenon underscores the varied learning preferences of contemporary students and highlights the importance of incorporating multimodal teaching resources in EMI course design to enrich students’ learning experience and foster engagement.
ICI’s Three-Track Curriculum Development: Strengthening Research Methods and Diverse Career Paths
In the afternoon discussion session, ICI faculty members conducted an in-depth exploration and planning of the college’s three major curriculum tracks: Global Governance (GG), Sustainability and Society (SS), and Data Analytics (DA). Participants concurred that integrating research methodology courses is essential, yet necessitates meticulous planning and execution to ensure students develop core research competencies at different learning stages. The discussions also addressed the integration of AI and social sciences, emphasizing the need to manage potential biases to ensure the equitable application of AI technologies across disciplines.
Additionally, the faculty deliberated on the Introduction to Global Studies (IGS) course, suggesting that it should be more closely aligned with the three major curriculum tracks to enhance learning engagement and strengthen localized global research perspectives. They also focused on the career development of international students, emphasizing the need to develop a more robust framework of guidance and resources to help international students connect with international organizations, NGOs, or multinational corporations, thereby expanding their career opportunities.
ICI remains committed to promoting EMI teaching and fostering a conducive learning environment. Through this internal training, teachers not only gained new pedagogical insights but also collaboratively explored the future directions of EMI curriculum development, aiming to offer students a more holistic and enriching learning experience while enhancing their international competitiveness.
Keith Sai-tao TONG, Honorary Chair Professor at National Pingtung University, was invited as a speaker for the workshop to share practical experiences and development strategies in EMI teaching. Faculty members of the International College of Innovation (ICI) engaged in discussions on curriculum development. (Image source: ICI)
Faculty members of the International College of Innovation (ICI) engaged in discussions on curriculum development. (Image source: ICI)
Faculty members of the International College of Innovation (ICI) engaged in discussions on curriculum development. (Image source: ICI)
