Facing Challenges in English Medium Instruction through Engaging in an Innovation Project

Abstract

This paper presents both the challenges faced by the introduction of subjects taught through the medium of English in one group of the Bachelor's Degree in Primary Education at the University of Málaga and the design of an innovation project aimed at responding at such challenges. Firstly, the paper acknowledges the growing trend towards English Medium Instruction (EMI) in Higher Education and explains the defining characteristics of the institutional context in which the aforementioned degree course was offered. Secondly, the conclusions of the evaluation of the first year of the implementation of this partially English-taught programme revealing difficulties and improvement areas pertaining to teachers, learners and resources will be discussed. Thirdly, objectives and concrete actions of the innovation project that a group of teachers is currently implementing will be outlined; the project lies emphasis on collaborative work, language support, collective training in aspects related to, and systematic monitoring and evaluation of the experience. The paper concludes with a reflection on the need to assure the quality of programmes that are completely or partially taught through the medium of English and on interdisciplinary innovation projects as potential interventions intended to face challenges posed by them.