Nazerke Amanzhol, Aray Amanova, Bayan Kerimbekova, Akerke Zholamanova, Yerbol Sarmurzin
{"title":"“My expectation did not meet reality”: challenges of undergraduate students in English-medium instruction in Kazakhstan","authors":"Nazerke Amanzhol, Aray Amanova, Bayan Kerimbekova, Akerke Zholamanova, Yerbol Sarmurzin","doi":"10.1108/aeds-06-2023-0062","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"<h3>Purpose</h3>\n<p>As a result of the ongoing globalization and commercialization of higher education, English is increasingly being used as the language of instruction in universities across the globe. Despite the growing popularity of English-medium instruction (EMI) for academic subject instruction in Kazakhstan, there is limited research on regional university undergraduate students' attitudes towards learning EMI. This article explores a case study of a chemistry undergraduate program in Kazakhstan, where EMI is used. This study seeks to identify beliefs related to EMI, student attitudes and the challenges faced when studying science in English.</p><!--/ Abstract__block -->\n<h3>Design/methodology/approach</h3>\n<p>Qualitative data were collected using open-ended questionnaires and semi-structured interviews with individuals selected using purposive sampling, which were then triangulated using classroom observations. The study employed a thematic analysis methodology to examine the gathered data, which included transcripts from interviews, audio logs from classroom observations and survey responses.</p><!--/ Abstract__block -->\n<h3>Findings</h3>\n<p>Following an in-depth look at the main themes, there were a variety of codes that made more sense when arranged in one of the four primary groups. These categories primarily focused on the possible obstacles that may be encountered when adopting EMI in Kazakhstan's higher education institutions. They are as follows: linguistic, managerial, cultural and emotional.</p><!--/ Abstract__block -->\n<h3>Originality/value</h3>\n<p>The results of this study will contribute to the development of improved EMI policies and practices that are more comprehensive, equitable and efficient.</p><!--/ Abstract__block -->","PeriodicalId":44145,"journal":{"name":"Asian Education and Development Studies","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.3000,"publicationDate":"2023-12-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"Asian Education and Development Studies","FirstCategoryId":"1085","ListUrlMain":"https://doi.org/10.1108/aeds-06-2023-0062","RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":null,"ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"","PubModel":"","JCR":"Q1","JCRName":"EDUCATION & EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Abstract
Purpose
As a result of the ongoing globalization and commercialization of higher education, English is increasingly being used as the language of instruction in universities across the globe. Despite the growing popularity of English-medium instruction (EMI) for academic subject instruction in Kazakhstan, there is limited research on regional university undergraduate students' attitudes towards learning EMI. This article explores a case study of a chemistry undergraduate program in Kazakhstan, where EMI is used. This study seeks to identify beliefs related to EMI, student attitudes and the challenges faced when studying science in English.
Design/methodology/approach
Qualitative data were collected using open-ended questionnaires and semi-structured interviews with individuals selected using purposive sampling, which were then triangulated using classroom observations. The study employed a thematic analysis methodology to examine the gathered data, which included transcripts from interviews, audio logs from classroom observations and survey responses.
Findings
Following an in-depth look at the main themes, there were a variety of codes that made more sense when arranged in one of the four primary groups. These categories primarily focused on the possible obstacles that may be encountered when adopting EMI in Kazakhstan's higher education institutions. They are as follows: linguistic, managerial, cultural and emotional.
Originality/value
The results of this study will contribute to the development of improved EMI policies and practices that are more comprehensive, equitable and efficient.
期刊介绍:
Asian Education and Development Studies (AEDS) is a new journal showcasing the latest research on education, development and governance issues in Asian contexts. AEDS fosters cross-boundary research with the aim of enhancing our socio-scientific understanding of Asia. AEDS invites original empirical research, review papers and comparative analyses as well as reports and research notes around education, political science, sociology and development studies. Articles with strong comparative perspectives and regional insights will be especially welcome. In-depth examinations of the role of education in the promotion of social, economic, cultural and political development in Asia are also encouraged. AEDS is the official journal of the Hong Kong Educational Research Association. Key topics for submissions: Educational development in Asia, Globalization and regional responses from Asia, Social development and social policy in Asia, Urbanization and social change in Asia, Politics and changing governance in Asia, Critical development issues and policy implications in Asia, Demographic change and changing social structure in Asia. Key subject areas for research submissions: Education, Political Science, Sociology , Development Studies .