Exploring EMI lecturers’ attitudes and needs

Abstract

This paper focuses on English-medium instruction (EMI) at a Spanish public university. It reports on a mix-methods study into the attitudes and linguistic and pedagogical needs of EMI lecturers. First and foremost, the study has a practical focus and assesses lecturers’ needs and attitudes as the basis for developing an EMI training course. The study takes a “bottom-up” approach to needs assessment in order to guarantee a course that is fit for purpose. It collects data from university lecturers using multiple sources to provide empirical evidence with which to inform course design decisions. Data sources include a questionnaire, field notes from observations of EMI teaching practice, collaborative planning tutorials, lesson plans and lecturers’ reflections on EMI. The analysis of lecturers’ language use and pedagogical strategies suggests a number of areas for improvement that could enhance EMI teaching and learning. On the whole, the findings show a positive attitude towards EMI and training, but also highlight key tensions regarding attitudes towards more collaborative, learner-centred lecturing practices. It thus argues for careful consideration to be given to lecturers’ attitudes in the design of EMI teacher development courses.