“My expectation did not meet reality”: challenges of undergraduate students in English-medium instruction in Kazakhstan
Asian Education and Development Studies
ISSN: 2046-3162
Article publication date: 11 December 2023
Issue publication date: 1 February 2024
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.
Keywords
Citation
Amanzhol, N., Amanova, A., Kerimbekova, B., Zholmakhanova, A. and Sarmurzin, Y. (2024), "“My expectation did not meet reality”: challenges of undergraduate students in English-medium instruction in Kazakhstan", Asian Education and Development Studies, Vol. 13 No. 1, pp. 31-44. https://doi.org/10.1108/AEDS-06-2023-0062
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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