OFFSTONE JUNE EDITION 2024

57 English Medium Instruction (EMI) English Medium Instruction (EMI) refers to an educational system where English, rather than the native language, is the primary medium of instruction. EMI aims to develop both subject knowledge and English proficiency, offering benefits such as enhanced global competitiveness and institutional standing. The debate on EMI in Malaysia, particularly for teaching Mathematics and Science, has been ongoing. The previous ETeMS (English for Teaching Mathematics and Science) programme, implemented in 2003, aimed to improve English proficiency and align education with global standards. However, it was discontinued in 2016 due to mixed results and controversies and has since been replaced by the Dual-Language Programme (DLP). Reintroducing EMI requires careful planning. While EMI has the potential to enhance English proficiency and global readiness, it could also widen educational gaps. Key concerns that need to be addressed before implementation include the timing of the rollout, maintaining the prominence of the local language, and providing necessary support for teachers and students. According to scholars Richards & Pun in their writing published in 2022, five major issues must be considered in executing EMI in Malaysia: Issue 1: What kind of professional and language support will be needed for teachers? Effective EMI requires teachers with strong subject knowledge and language skills. They must be capable of communicating complex ideas clearly, using appropriate language, and engaging students effectively. Issue 2: What kind of language support will be needed for students? Students need language skills to think critically and communicate ideas in EMI settings. Subjects like science require precise language for describing, explaining, and analyzing concepts. Developing both content knowledge and language abilities is essential for academic success. Issue 3: What impact will it have on the learning of academic content? Academic disciplines are grounded in specific assumptions, theories, and communicative practices. In EMI, the discipline-specific genres, literacy skills, and specialized uses of language are crucial for understanding and communicating subject matter. Effective EMI requires a balance between content and language learning, as mastery of one often supports proficiency in the other.