University of the South Pacific

UU114 – English for Academic Purpose

English as a medium of instruction and learning case study of: First Year Xavier College
Students in Laucala Campus

Name: Mohammed Muzammil Jamil

Student id: S11184622
Group Number: 10
Abstract
Table of Content
List of Figures
Introduction
The purpose of the research is:
a. To identify the main medium of instruction in
a) local high schools and b) in higher educational institutions.
b. To survey people’s opinions on the use of English as a medium of instruction in
higher education;
c. To identify and evaluate the benefits for Pacific students of using English as a
medium of learning at higher education.
d. To identify and evaluate the major challenges faced by Pacific students in using
English as a medium of learning at higher education.
e. To recommend ways of overcoming the challenges evaluated in number 4
above.
Research in the use of scholarly journal in relation with English as a medium of
instruction is a growing global phenomenon in all phases of education and educational
system, (Dearden, 2015). Many countries are adopting English as a medium of
instruction within their higher education institution to facilitate globalization (Coleman,
2006). English as a medium of instruction is one of the most useful tools to develop
English proficiency (Wescge & Skehan, 2002). The research in the use of book journals
by (Griffith, Susan, 2009) outlined that one billion people speak English whereas three
hundred million people are learning English. Nine tenth of the world’s electronically
stored information in English and fifty million internet users communicate in English.
Thus, the author illustrates the benefits of English being the medium of instruction and
learning, as the research agrees with the article.
It seems like that many students will choose English as the main medium of instruction
in local high school and higher educational institution. It is expected that more than 50%
of the students will accept English as a medium of learning at higher education could
have some benefits.
Methodology
Primary Source
Questionnaire
A questionnaire was intended to obtain more data on the accessibility and mentality of
the first year Xavier College students in Laucala campus. There were five terms of
reference from which the questionnaire was designed. The questionnaire was prepared
in the tutorial class by the tutor and the students. A total of seven questions were
designed. The questionnaire was prepared on the 28 th of September, 2020 and was
given to students on the next day. 5 were girls and 5 were boys. There was an equal
distribution of gender in the group. The questionnaire was collected on the 2 nd of
October, 2020. The questions in the questionnaire was based on English as a medium
of instruction and learning at local high schools and in higher educational institution. The
questions also focused on the benefits and challenges faced by Pacific students in
using English as a medium of learning at higher education. Students were also asked to
combat the above mentioned challenges.
Secondary Source
Library Research
The research was based on the questions that was designed from the terms of
reference. The pro-quest database was used from the University of the South Pacific
library website to do the research. A total of four articles were chosen for the
background. The articles was about the benefits of English as medium of instruction.
Thus, the research agreed with the articles.
Result

English as a Medium of Communication in Higher

Education

100%

YES

Figure 7.1 Pie chart shows that 100% people said yes that English should be used as a
medium of communication in higher education.

Impact of English in higher Education

5%
25%

70%

Loss of knowledge of mother tongue Complicates education system

Own views
Figure 7.2 Pie chart shows that 70% of the people said loss of knowledge of mother
tongue is an impact of English in higher school while 25% said it complicates education
system and 5% gave their own views.

Benefits of English
100%
90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
Job Opportunities Communcation Self-Esteem Academic Performance

MALE FEMALE

Figure 7.3 clustered column graph shows the benefits of English where 65% male and
35% female selected job opportunities while 45% male and 55% female selected
communication, 60% male and 40% female selected self-esteem and both 50% of male
and female selected academic performance.
 Challenges in using English as a Medium of Learning

20%
35%

30%
15%

Complec Vocubulary Pronunciation Variation in English Grammar is Complex

Figure 7.4 shows the challenges in using English as a medium of learning that 20%
believed complex vocabulary, 30% on pronunciation, 15% on variation of English and
35% on grammar is complex.
Discussion
Many countries are adopting English as a medium of instruction within their higher
education institution to facilitate globalization (Coleman, 2006). As shown in figure 7.1
that 100% of the students believed that English should be used as a medium of
communication in higher institution. It is suggesting that all students prefer English to be
used as a medium of communication in higher education. Thus, the figure 7.1 illustrates
that students agree to communicate in English in school as it is a common language
that people use to write and speak across the globe.
Furthermore, the result in figure 7.2 shows that 70% of the people said loss of
knowledge of mother tongue is an impact of English in higher school while 25% said it
complicates education system and 5% gave their own views. It is suggesting that
English as a medium of instruction in higher education mostly impacts on the loss of
knowledge of mother tongue. Therefore, it illustrates that majority students selected loss
of knowledge of mother tongue is an impact of English in higher education.
English as a medium of instruction is one of the most useful tools to develop English
proficiency (Wescge & Skehan, 2002). As shown in figure 7.3 that 65% male and 35%
female selected job opportunities while 45% male and 55% female selected
communication, 60% male and 40% female selected self-esteem and both 50% of male
and female selected academic performance. It is proposed that English as a medium of
instruction and leaning brings in benefits to each individual’s life. The graph in figure 7.3
delineates that majority male have selected job opportunities as the benefits while
majority female selected communication. Hence, English as a medium of instruction and
learning is beneficial in the entire globe.
Moreover, figure 7.4 shows the challenges faced by Pacific students in using English as
a medium of learning at higher education. According to the student’s opinion, 20%
believed complex vocabulary, 30% on pronunciation, 15% on variation of English and
35% on grammar is complex as the challenges faced by Pacific students in using
English as a medium of learning at higher education. It suggests that English being the
medium of learning at higher education, Pacific students finds it difficult to acquire
knowledge. Therefore, it illustrates that complex grammar makes English challenging
for Pacific students to learn at higher education.
Conclusion
This report is conclusive, as it agrees with the result of student’s having positive
opinions about the use of English as a medium of instruction and learning. This is
due to the use of English as a medium of instruction and learning that provides
wide range of benefits to the people. Yet further research is required to be
conducted on this topic on the impact of English as a medium of instruction and
learning. Thus, this would provide more practical result to the report.
However, the limitations faced during this report writing were poor internet connection
while conducting research and finding references on this topic. Although having
some limitation, the research has identified the student’s opinion on English as
medium of instruction and learning and has also portrayed the benefits and
challenges of English to the people.