EXPLORING THE IMPACT OF ENGLISH AS A MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION ON STUDENTS' MOTIVATION IN PAKISTANI UNIVERSITIES

Abstract

The current qualitative exploratory research examines the effects of English as the Medium of Instruction (EMI) on students’ motivation within Pakistani universities. In more detail, the objectives of the study are to: Determine the effect of EMI on students’ motivation, Establish the difficulties experienced by students undertaking EMI courses. These three public universities of Pakistan involved 300 students studying in English-medium programs. The quantitative data was administered through self-administered questionnaires for motivation and survey questionnaires while the qualitative data was collected through interviews. The study findings indicated that: EMI played a major role in influencing students’ motivation levels with most students expressing a perceived motivation to learning English and better attitudes towards learning. However, this study also revealed that, EMI has lots of difficulties for students especially those whose English is poor. The significance of the study is underlined by the need to offer enhancement to learners who may face challenges in EMI, and further argue that EMI can help enhance students’ willingness in learning English in Pakistani universities. The result of this study has a clear relevance to language policy and planning in Pakistani universities.

Keywords: Exploring, Impact, English, Medium, Instruction, Students' Motivation, Pakistani Universities.